I’ve traveled past several of these markers on multiple occasions and today I finally stopped to check them out. Now you get to as well.
At the posted coordinates there will be a small pull off large enough for a car or two and one of these markers. There is a low white pipe fence around it and a bronze marker signifying what it is. I've also stopped at other markers and they have sadly been vandalized or badly weathered through the years.
Below is the information I found on the waymarking site.
“PA Rt. 504 follows a portion of the path of historic 1799 State Road. While later was extended and became known as the primary route between Philadelphia and Erie. It roughly follows a portion of the path of the historic 1799 State Road from “Bald Eagle’s Nest” (Milesburg) to Fort Le Boeuf (Waterford, PA), which was laid out and cleared under contract with the Pennsylvania Assembly and opened for travel by 1802. The State Road was an important thoroughfare during the War of 1812, and was for many years the primary route for mail, goods and travelers between Philadelphia and Erie. Many of the original, 19th-century stone mileposts are preserved along the norther side of the highway.” Wikipedia
Condition: Worn
Date Placed: 01/01/1800
Material: Stone
Inscription:
“TOB19M R →” (Translation is: To Bald Eagle’s Nest” (Milesburg) 19 mile to the right)
“TOP9M←L 181” (Translation: To Philipsburg 9 mile to the left, 181 mile to Fort Le Boeuf (Waterford, PA))
Name of road: Philadelphia – Erie Turnpike, Pennsylvania Road 1799
To get to stage 2, another of these mile markers, using the date on the bronze plaque at stage 1:
Subtract 1438 from the date to get A.
Subtract 836 from the date to get B.
The second mile marker can be found at:
N40 55.A
W77 57.B
To find the cache:
From the second marker, travel 134 feet @ 43 degrees and look at the base of a tree under a rock.
There is an obvious place to pull over just beyond stage 2 - that is assuming you are coming from stage 1. If you look closely on your left as you travel between the stages (you will want to drive or ride a bike as they are several miles apart) you'll notice several other mile markers surrounded by white pipe fences.
Although you will always be close to route 504 where hunting is not permitted, you will want to wear orange as hunting is permitted nearby. Plus it will make you more visible to passing cars.
Enjoy the history.
CONGRATULATIONS TO E-R-H ON THE FIRST TO FIND!