This cache is part of the 25 cache Pennsylvania State Parks America250PA GeoTrail. Have fun exploring and discovering Pennsylvania's history!
In the immediate vicinity of the cache lies F27. A small, circular, bronze marker, called a USGS benchmark, that was erected in 1934. This benchmark and thousands like it across the United States serve as established elevations and positions for mapping and construction. These benchmarks are invaluable to engineers and surveyors alike.
One hundred and forty-four years prior to the placing of this benchmark in 1790, three surveyors, Samuel Maclay, John Adlum, and
Timothy Matlack worked their way upriver from Harrisburg to explore and survey the vast wilderness in North Central Pennsylvania. Their journey, recorded by Maclay in his journal, lasted from May until September. Traversing up the Susquehanna drainage, they surveyed and charted the multiple forks of the Sinnemahoning Creek, before crossing overland into the Alleghany River drainage. It is very likely that Maclay, Adlum, and Matlack would have paddled up the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning Creek, just a few yards from the cache location.
Following the Allegheny downstream, they continued to survey, ultimately reaching the Conemaugh River. From there the surveyors proceeded over the divide and back into the Susquehanna drainage, by way of the Frankstown Branch. From there the trio would go their separate ways and return to their respective homes.
For more information about this state park and its amenities please visit the website: Sinnemahoning State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
