This is another in a series of micro caches designed to show off the beautiful and historic stone arch bridges that span the Antietam Creek in Washington County, Maryland, and in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
While the word Antietam brings to mind the bloody and pivotal battle fought near Sharpsburg in September of 1862, the waters of that creek, that ran red with the blood of two huge contending armies at Burnside Bridge, have their origins in Franklin County. Waters flowing from the western slopes of South Mountain join with tributaries fed by robust valley springs to form two branches. The lazy and meandering East Branch and West Branch skirt Waynesboro on either side before joining just north of the Mason-Dixon line. The West Branch provided a boyhood fishing hole that yielded rainbow trout, catfish, chubs and sunfish aplenty. The East Branch skirts the Renfrew Park & Museum.
Most of these bridges were built near or adjacent to water-powered mills, where grains and corn were ground into flour and meal. Several were built to bypass or span creek fords on roads that carried heavy commerce traffic. All of bridges have an historical marker.
All of the caches are micros. That is not to say they are difficult to find. Feel free to decrypt the hints, as the real attractions are not the caches but the bridges, the history and nearby scenery.
The 7th of the bridges built in the county by John Weaver, this picturesque three-acher was completed in 1840. Several generations of the Claggett family operated a gristmill nearby. Built in 1841, the millrace bridge is a small well-built single archer. The presence of a keystone on this bridge has led to speculation that someone other than Weaver was the architect and builder.
The Claggett cache is a bison tube that is guest to a larger host. To claim the cache, you will need to sign the log on site, and answer via e-mail the following:
What name was the Claggett Estate known by? What makes this millrace bridge unusual and unique?
Cautionary Note: There is a small parking pull-of between the two bridges. Be aware of all motor traffic in the area of these bridges.