Monson was one of the first N.H. inland settlements and only existed between between 1737 to 1770. At one time it covered 17,000 acres and was part of Mass. Six settlers and their families cleared the land and built a tight cluster of dwellings. The village never had a school, church or meetinghouse but managed to thrive. In 1741 the borders of NH and Mass were adjusted and the village became part of NH. What happened next is a mystery. Why was the village was disbanded in 1770 and absorbed into surrounding towns? Theories include the harsh living conditions, tension with the native Americans or poilitics.
The land remained quiet and undisturbed for over 250 years until a housing subdivision threatened the area. In 1998 a grass root effort to preserve the area began. Thanks to local citizens, Society for Protection of NH Forests, State division of Historical Resourses, inherit NH and the Dickerson family the area was saved. Today the Forest Society oversees the stewardship of this special area. Today we enjoy the walking trails, open fields, beaver pond, forests and historical cellar holes.
The only building standing is the rebuilt Gould house which houses a 2 room museum.
TO LOG THE CACHE, you must post a photo in your log from one of the options below and send the answers to the questions to CO.
Photo's (choose 1 of 3 options below)
1. Take a photo of you with the museum in the background.
2. Take a photo of your GPS or phone with the museum
3. Take a photo of the rear museum windows.
Questions
1. What kind of tree is being restored at Monson? (The answer is on the kiosk at the entry to the village)
2. At ground zero there is an old photo. What is in front of the house?
3. At ground zero what is the silver shining object covering?
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.