This seemingly ordinary monument holds an intriguing history! Initially, the installation here was known as the Post of El Paso. In March 1854, it was renamed Fort Bliss in honor of Lieutenant Colonel William Wallace Smith Bliss.
Originally erected in his honor at Girod Street Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana, this twenty-foot memorial made of Italian marble was placed there. However, in 1955, the cemetery was condemned to make way for business construction, necessitating the relocation of Bliss's remains to the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. The memorial was subsequently moved to Fort Bliss and rededicated on April 22, 1955, where it stands today.
This cache provides ample space for various tradeables and swag. Notably, there's a pencil included in the container.
Getting access to Fort Bliss
This cache is located on Fort Bliss, a military installation with strict security requirements. That shouldn't stop you from visiting to find it, though!
If you don't already have access to Fort Bliss with a DoD ID card, you'll need to request a guest pass, which requires a REAL ID-compliant card and a quick background check. Generally, this can all be done online. Go to the Visitor Management System, enter the information on your driver's license or passport, and request either a "Day Pass" or a "Community Pass" (365 days). You should soon receive text messages with updates on the status of your application.
If your application is denied (which could happen for many reasons—don't worry) or you experience any other issues with the online application, you'll need to visit one of the Visitor Control Centers (VCCs) at Fort Bliss to obtain a pass. Buffalo Soldier VCC is open 24/7 at 5400 Buffalo Soldier Rd, and Chaffee VCC is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays at 2616 Chaffee Rd.
Once you have a guest pass, you can use the same driver's license or passport at one of the many gates to Fort Bliss.
For gate hours and further information on visiting Fort Bliss, see here.
This geocache has been placed with permission from the Garrison Commander at Fort Bliss. Don't hesitate to share any questions or concerns regarding the cache, either via a log on this page or privately through my profile.