This cache is part of the 25 cache Pennsylvania State Parks America250PA GeoTrail. Have fun exploring and discovering Pennsylvania's history!
The area that Chapman State Park now inhabits was once known as Bucher’s Mill. The land got its name from Philip Bucher who purchased the land in 1851 and owned the lumber mill until his death in 1880. The mill included many buildings and structures, including an earthen dam on the West Branch Tionesta Creek, near where the current dam sits. This dam created the Bucher’s Log Pond, which allowed for easy collection and transportation of lumber that was harvested nearby and upstream. The mill changed hands multiple times until it ultimately shut down in 1904 as the lumber operations in the area started declining.
Photo of Bucher's Mill taken in 1901
Eventually the land would be owned by a private hunting and fishing club until 1945 when the land was approved to become a state park. In 1950, the park was named after Dr. Leroy Chapman, a state senator from 1929-1963 who campaigned for the park’s creation. “Chapman Dam State Park” (which would later be renamed to “Chapman State Park”) was officially opened for day use in 1951.
Aerial View of Chapman State Park
The site for this cache is near where many of the structures of the lumber mill once stood. The easiest way to get to the cache is to park in the angler parking near the Environmental Learning Center. Follow the access trail back to the creek, then take the path to the left. Near Gound Zero you will find three metal pipes near the bank. According to the 1906 topographic map, these posts belonged to a bridge that spanned the creek that more than likely belonged to the lumber mill. You may even be able to see other remnants of the mill throughout the creek, including some circular posts or some milled lumber.
1906 Topographical map of Warren. The red circle is the area where the cache (and namesake bridge remains) are located.
This area can get wet, so be prepared if the was recently rain. Happy hunting and enjoy the history of the park.
For more information about this state park and its amenities, please visit the website: Chapman State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
