BACKGROUND:
Established in 1852, the historic Elmwood Cemetery represents the oldest active burial plot in Memphis. More than 70,0000 souls have been laid to rest here, including such notables as Robert Church, Jr.; Mayor E.H. "Boss" Crump; 22 Confederate generals and hundreds of known and unknown soldiers of lesser rank; numerous political, civic, commercial and religious leaders; and countless victims of various Yellow Fever Epidemics which periodically swept the Mississippi River Valley. Amongst the most recent burials: celebrated Civil War historian Shelby Foote, who died in July 2005 and with whom I occassionally corresponded when involved in my own research and writings.
THE CACHE:
You'll be visiting four intermediate waypoints within Elmwood Cemetery to gather six clues (the first of these stops will be at the listed coordinates). These clues, when combined in the proper order, will lead to a fifth waypoint where you'll find the cache container itself. Be aware that the cemetery gates are open daily from 8:00AM to 4:30PM, so don't try to turn this into a night caching opportunity.
WAYPOINT ONE: N 35° 07.440 W 90° 01.759
As you pass over the Morgan Bridge and into Elmwood Cemetery, look for a historical marker which provides a brief summary of the area's history. Look for the first year mentioned on the marker; the third of these four digits will become the variable A.
WAYPOINT TWO: N 35° 07.433 W 90° 01.701
Now proceed to the resting spot of Mattie Stephenson, referred to by many as "The Martyr of Memphis" for the compassionate role she played during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1873. While serving as a Red Cross volunteer and nursing the helpless victims, Stephenson herself contracted the deadly disease and died a few days later at the age of 17. On her tombstone stands a scroll which sports letters. The total number of letters on the scroll will serve as the variable B.
WAYPOINT THREE: N 35° 07.374 W 90° 01.639
Here you will find a memorial detailing a horrific tragedy which occurred not far away -- in fact, this event remains the worst maritime disaster in American history. Near the bottom of the monument you will find the year in which the marker was dedicated; the last two digits will represent the variables C and D.
WAYPOINT FOUR: N 35° 07.255 W 90° 01.643
Now head for the gravesite of one of the many American Civil War generals buried in Elmwood Cemetery. From this tombstone you can determine the year in which the general's wife was born; the last two digits of the year will serve as E and F.
WAYPOINT FIVE: N 35° 07.EBF W 90° 01.ACD
Substitue the numbers you've gathered for the appropriate letters, punch in the coordinates, and head out in search of the cache itself. You'll be looking for a camouflaged BipKips SnapWare container holding a few small trade items. After signing the log you'll probably want to explore further, so allow yourself plenty of time. Have fun!
 Kid Friendly  Restricted hours  Less than 500 ft. from car to cache
 Beware of Muggles!  Historic Site
|
|
|