In 1878 the American city of
Memphis on the Mississippi River was struck by an epidemic of
yellow fever, which so depopulated the area that the city lost its
charter and was not reorganized for fourteen years. Almost everyone
who could afford to do so left the city and fled to higher ground
away from the river. (It was not yet known that the disease was
mosquito-borne, but it was observed that high and dry areas were
safe.) This caused the State of Tennessee to repeal the city's
charter in 1879. Of the 19,000 who did not flee, almost 80% caught
the fever and one-quarter died. Along with unknown slaves and
Tennessee leaders, fever victims lie buried at Elmwood Cemetery and
Martyrs Park. The yellow fever was eradicated in the 1880's by a
new sewage system (the first of its kind anywhere) and the
discovery of an artesian water supply restored health to
Memphians.
Martyrs Park
With a majestic view of the Mississippi River, the park is home to
a stunning statue commemorating the suffering and courage of
citizens who tended the sick and dying during the epidemics that
devastated the city in the 1870s.
The purpose of this park is to honor
those who died while caring for others so it is only right that we
take a few minutes to read the marker that is found at the posted
coordinates.
The actual cache is an offset from
the east side of the statue.
To find the distance take the number of Caucasians that died caring
for the sick and divide it by 4. Then subtract 626 to get the
range.
To find the magnetic bearing add 34
to the number of Negroes that died caring for the sick and then
divide by 4.
This micro only has room for a log so
bring your own pen.