This is another in a series of geocaches designed to show off the beautiful and historic stone arch bridges that span the Antietam Creek in Washington County, Maryland.
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.
Burnside Bridge, The Middle Bridge and Hitt Bridge all saw heavy traffic prior to, during and in the aftermath of the Battle fought near Sharpsburg in September 1862. In historical accounts the Hitt Bridge is referred to as the Upper Bridge in the same manner as Burnside is the Lower Bridge.
The troops of General McClellan who were to fight in The Corn Field, The East Woods and at Bloody Lane crossed to battle via the Hitt Bridge or nearby fords.
A modern era bridge spans the Antietam Creek today where the Middle bridge once stood. Because the open ground to the west of this bridge was within reach of General Lee’s artillery, the Middle Bridge played minor roles during the battle.
Burnside Bridge, most famous of the stone arch bridges and home to two virtual caches, is another matter. The site of a vigorous, vicious and prolonged struggle for control in the afternoon and evening phases of the battle, Burnside Bridge is a three-arch hump-backed specimen that is typical to the others that have been showcased in this series.
As with the other bridges, be aware of motor traffic approaching and driving across Hitt Bridge. This cache is larger than most of the bridge caches, containing several trade items, in addition to a log. There is no pen or pencil. To claim this cache, sign the log and answer the following by e-mail:
What is the unusual physical feature about this bridge? This bridge was built over a ford that was used by whose army in 1755?