Hidden History Traditional Cache
Michael: I am sorry but the Bureau of Archaeological Research
Division of Historical Resources
has written to Groundspeak and informed us that they have removed the cache. You may contact me and I will give you their contact information to get your container back.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Michael
Groundspeak - The Language of Location
[This entry was edited by Michael on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 5:16:30 PM.]
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Size: 
(small)
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Step off the sidewalk, and look back over 240 years in history, before the birth of our nation, as you look for this cache.
Suggested Parking: Not sure. There is major construction currently going on right next to the cache location. This used to be an ideal spot for short term parking near the cache. You'll have to get creative in finding a parking spot for now until the new office complex is completed.
No need to hack through the woods! You can locate a nearby foot trail at: N29 16.729' W081 04.539'
A pen may or may not be in the cache, better bring your own.
An ancient hammock, dominated by massive Live Oaks, Laurel Oak, Sweetgum, Hackberry, Elm, Cabbage Palm and other trees conceal, quite remarkably, one of Ormond Beach’s richest treasures.
When you approach the coordinates of this geocache, you will discover the archaeological ruins of America’s first rum distillery. In conformance with policy, the cache IS NOT within the ruins or any off limit areas. The main area to be protected is completely encased by a recently erected chain link fence.
Prehistoric Indian middens have been unearthed on this site, as well as a historic coquina repository. There are also early 20th century remains on this site.
This site near the cache is referred to locally as the “Three Chimneys”, although only two of the original three chimneys remain. You will be shocked at the urban development surrounding this beautiful area. In fact, most people don’t even know this site exists.
Constructed around 1764 during Florida’s British Period, this complex was built by Richard Oswald as one component of a sprawling plantation system that had become an important part of Northeast Florida’s economy during the twenty years of British rule.
In 1764, James Grant, the British Governor of Florida, granted Oswald a 20,000 acre land grant along the Tomoka and Halifax Rivers. This land is now within the borders of the Tomoka State Park and the city boundaries of Ormond Beach.
Oswald was a slave dealer, developer, and advisor to the British government. He helped the British Ministry draft the terms of peace originally offered to the American colonies.
Oswald operated his plantations through overseers who supervised black slaves. He never visited the plantations himself. His plantation profits were made primarily in Indigo. His efforts to produce sugar and rum were not successful because he chose a variety of cane that was not tolerant to cold weather. Oswald’s Florida plantations were abandoned after the Revolutionary War.
There is a project on the books to transform this area into a park with a hopeful future designation as a state historic site. Sadly, funding for the proposal is low on the “B” list of priorities.
This is a fragile area. Please do not disturb anything. Finding the cache does not require digging or damaging anything.
I’d like to maintain this as a high quality cache. Your comments are appreciated!
I would not suggest trying to find the cache at night due to safety concerns in the wooded area. There are thorny bushes at eye level and many vines that will “grab” you. Watch where you’re walking! Do not wear short pants day or night, you have been warned. This area is most beautiful in late Spring. Watch out for large spiders hanging between the trees at eye level. Thank you!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
N cynfgvp Ehooreznvq pbagnvare jenccrq va pnzzb qhpg gncr. Ybbx sbe n pyhfgre be cngpu bs sreaf arne gur srapr. Vg'f ba gur tebhaq va gur srea cngpu ng gur onfr bs n fznyy gerr.
Treasures
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