Meander Maine
The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates.
Fort Baldwin, situated in Maine near the mouth of the Kennebec River, was a coastal defense installation built during World War I. Constructed between 1905 and 1912 and named after Civil War General William Henry Baldwin Jr., the fort served as part of the country's defense network, protecting vital shipping lanes and harbors along the eastern seaboard. Equipped with artillery batteries, bunkers, and observation posts, Fort Baldwin played a crucial role in defending against potential naval threats during both World Wars.
Throughout its operational lifespan, Fort Baldwin underwent several upgrades and modifications to adapt to changing military strategies and technologies. It served as an active military post until its decommissioning in 1950, following the conclusion of World War II. After its closure, the fort's structures were gradually dismantled, and the land was returned to civilian use.
Today, Fort Baldwin's legacy is preserved as a historic site managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. Visitors to the area can explore the remnants of the fort's military past, including gun emplacements, bunkers, and command posts. Interpretive signs provide insights into the fort's history and significance, offering visitors a glimpse into Maine's role in national defense efforts during the 20th century.
Source: ChatGPT
----- N 44 19.958 W 094 02.791
One of the oldest roads in the state, Fort Road was originally built by the federal government after Fort Ridgely was completed in 1853-54. Supplies were shipped from Fort Snelling to Traverse des Sioux, then transported by wagon to Fort Ridgely.
Nicollet County Road 5 runs more than 42 miles from its eastern terminus at its intersection with US Highway 169 in St Peter to the Renville County line. Old Fort Road presumably extended from Traverse des Sioux, although the portion running through the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College has been blocked off. Fort Road as an address runs from the western edge of St Peter to the end of CR-5.
In an ideal world, a paved trail would have been installed when the road was refurbished in the early 2010s. This planned geocache trail will have to suffice, but won’t alleviate my anxiety when biking here.