When the railroad abandoned this line, the property along the route
was quickly snapped up by the local business owners. Some of the
bridges and railroad beds have been left as they were, some were
removed almost immediately. What is left at most street crossings
is not the interesting arched or heavy timber bridge, but rather
the open sky and the ugly concrete wall and abutment.
Fortunately there are geocachers out there that would love to
see these locations, stare at the wall of wonder and find a prize!
As you search, imagine yourself standing at this very railroad
bridge in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday, April 30th, 1865.
You are not alone, others are gathered at your side to watch the
passing of the Lincoln Special, the funeral train bearing the body
of President Lincoln (and his disinterred 11-year-old son Willie's
body) traveling 1,654 miles from Washington to Springfield,
Illinois for burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
What is unique about this particular spot now is the nice
collection of historic homes just south of the cache location.
After spending a few hours looking for the cache, you might unwind
by taking a short walk south. You'll find some real 19th century
beauties.