Capt. Meriwether Lewis, along with William Clark and the Corps of Discovery, were the first United States citizens to:
First to cross the continental United States from east to west.
First to experience the Great Plains.
First to see the daunting peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
First to cross the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide.
First, only after encountering cold, hunger, danger, and wonders beyond belief, to reach the Pacific Ocean by land.
First comprehensive description and collection of flora and fauna in the Western United States.
First detailed maps from the Mississippi to the Pacific.
It was the greatest adventure of their lives!
Meriwether Lewis died shortly after returning. On an upland ridge between the Tennessee and Duck rivers, the old Natchez Trace crosses Tennessee State Highway 20. At this point on the west side of the trace is a clearing broken by an occasional giant oak, a persimmon, a dogwood. At one end of the clearing is a broken column of marble standing upon a granite pedestal. This is the Meriwether Lewis Monument.
Sometime during the dark hours preceding daylight of October 11, 1809, this peaceful little park was the scene of violence and horror and possible madness. Here died Meriwether Lewis, an American hero aged 35, killed either by his own hand or by a person or persons unknown. The tragedy has become one of the enduring mysteries of history.
Remarkably, even after a century and a half, there are still people in this area who hold strong opinions on the event. Through six or seven generations of families, oral tradition has turned the death of Meriwether Lewis into continuing legend.
Across the two centuries that separate us, we cannot speak to him. But if we listen hard enough, we can hear his voice speaking to us—reaching from the past and still calling us toward the next horizon.
"We proceeded on," he told us all. "Every day is a day of discovery."
Directions to the cache: Using navigational tools and animal trails, travel to the latitude and longitude as instructed. This will place you in the middle of a large creek, on a rock (see attached photo). No canoe will be needed, as there will be a path, except after large rains.
At this point, using your compass, plot a bearing of 225 degrees, and to an elevation of about 870 feet above sea level or to the crest of the hill. This route will require some moderate climbing. Before reaching the crest of the hill, you should pass a large downed tree on your right. The treasure should be about 30 feet past the tree, up the hill. Remember, stay on the bearing of 225 degrees from the rock!
You will need these items for this hunt:
1. GPS (just to get you started)
2. Compass
3. Other normal caching tools
Word of warning: Use the tracking tool in your GPS for the return trip, as there are no trail maps.
Do not attempt this cache after dark or you may be spending the night on the trail. I suggest starting this cache hunt in the Winter AM.
Please replace the cache well hidden.
Happy hunting.
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 Cache In - Trash Out!  Not Recommended After Dark  Restricted hours  Bicycles permitted on paths  Long pants suggested  Snakes
 Some Climbing (No special equipment required)
 Off-trail Hiking Required  Equestrian Trail  Accessible in Winter
 Scenic View  Mud!  Compass Suggested / Required  Historic Site  Ticks  More than .5 mile from Trailhead  Wear bug repellant!
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