Mr. President... of California Traditional Cache
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Mr. President... of California
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This cache is by an almost forgotten cemetery for the town of Monroeville, and the burial spot for William B. Ide, the only President California ever had.
In 1846 Fremont and his well armed banned of "engineers" were marching through California, creating speculation about relationships with Mexico, and the possiblity of war. There were rumors running rampant in the territory that the Mexicans were burning ranchos and destroying crops and livestock of Californios and whites. A small band of land holders decided to charge into Sonoma and capture the only Mexican official north of Pueblo Los Angeles. It was to become known as the Bear Flag Revolt. In a bloodless overthrow, they imprisoned the official and declared the territory the California Republic. South in San Diego there were skirmishs with Kit Carson and some of Fremont's men, but for the most part the government in Mexico was busy elsewhere and the battles were short lived. Back in Sonoma the celebrating band of "soldiers" were making plans for the new Republic. Of the 15 or so gathered to discuss the future of the new lands, only William B. Ide, a good mormon, was NOT intoxicated. It was therefore decided that he would be chosen the President of the Republic of California. That was in June of 1846, and 24 days later the United States raised the stars and stripes in San Francisco and the Republic became a territory of the U.S. and the President of California was no longer! Monroeville sprang literally from the ribs of the steamboat "California" which ran aground on the river not far from this cemetery. The "Monroehouse", a roadhouse, bar and wayside hotel was built by U.P. Monroe in 1850 using salvage from the hapless steamboat. It was the county seat of Colussa (Colusi?), one of the original 27 counties in California, for a number of years before being moved to the present town of Colussa. Mr Ide served in numerous capacities both elected and appointed, including judge, deputy clerk, and treasurer until his death from smallpox in 1852. His adobe home near Red Bluff is today a State Park and boasts an exquisite restoration of his home and farm on the banks of the Sacramento. The burial sites were almost obliviated by plowing in the first part of the century and in 1977 the historic society stopped further abuse of the land. In 1980 CSU Chico archaeology dept. dug the area up, restored the graves, and tried to identify as many of those buried here as possible. Access to this cemetery is through a working farm, and is private property on both sides of the gravel road, so please be respectful of the farmers and their livestock and drive slow. To gain access go to the old (1949) Ide moument on highway 45 at N#9 40.566 W122 00.325 and follow the gravel road east between the house and out buildings to the end where you'll see the cemetery sign. Don't continue on the road past the cemetery as it becomes a landing strip for crop dusters. Bees hives are in the vicinity of the cache so be cautious accordingly. Hint is a spoiler.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx gb gur tngrf bs urnira, ABG ba lbhe xarrf, ohg engure gb gur fznyyrfg gbc
Treasures
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