This Cache is placed as part of the 2024 New York State Park Central Region Geocache Challenge. There are approximately 80 geocaches hidden within 22 state parks and historic sites in this parks region, the first 150 people to find 45 or more caches will receive a special geocache challenge coin. If you are interested in taking up the challenge, you can pick up a geocache passport at any of the participating parks and sites or download it at https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/DeltaLake2024GeocacheChallenge.pdf
NYS Parks Saratoga - Capital region and the Taconic region will be hosting a similar challenge!! 10 caches found in the Sara-Cap and/or Taconic region Challenge can be used toward the Central Challenge.
Be sure to check each park or site's unique web page for possible trail maps and other facility specific information. parks.ny.gov Although the website lists the current hours as 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The correct hours are dawn to dusk.
Bring a GPS with you, or download the caches before you leave home as many of our beautiful State Parks/ Historic sites have limited or no cell service!!!
This cache contains a unique stamp which must stay with the cache. Use this stamp to mark your passport. This stamp is NOT a trade item.
In August 1777, while the British were attacking Fort Stanwix, Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer assembled 800 Rebel militiamen supported by a party of allied Oneida warriors, and marched from Fort Dayton to aid against the British siege. Upon hearing of Herkimer's advance, Loyalist troops under Sir John Johnson and Col. John Butler, and Indian forces under Seneca leaders Old Smoke and Corn planter, and Mohawk Joseph Brant, set a trap near a series of boggy ravines west of Oriskany Creek. As the unsuspecting American troops crossed through the ravines, the Indians and Loyalists attacked. The militia fought in brutal hand-to-hand combat, and in spite of heavy losses, stood their ground. A Rebel attack on their camps around Fort Stanwix finally caused the Seneca and the Mohawks, followed by the Loyalists to retreat. The militia had lost too many men to continue their advance and retreated back to Fort Dayton. It was in this battle that General Herkimer received the wound to his leg which led to his death ten days later.
Today, visitors to the battlefield can walk the site, read a series of interpretive signs, and at certain times of the year visit the park’s visitor center.