This cache is located on a beautiful point on Treasure Cay (pronounced Key) on Abaco Island in the Bahamas. It is adjacent to the Carleton historic site but not in it.
Historical Info:
Following the American Revolution those who remained faithful to the crown and refused to be part of the new republic left for other parts. Over 600 Loyalists left New York for Abaco in 1783, assisted by the British Government. The first settlement they established on the mainland of Abaco was named Carleton after the British commanding officer in New York, Sir Guy Carleton.
The new settlers found life hard in that part of Abaco and after a few months they broke up into groups and settled elsewhere on the island. After about five years, Carleton was abandoned. For almost 200 years the location of Carleton remained a mystery. It remained so until 1985 when US archaeologist Robert Carr discovered the site just north of Treasure Cay's famous beach. Carr had been invited by Alton Lowe, famed artist and conservationist of Green Turtle Cay, to assist in a celebration of Loyalist life on Abaco.
Little has been done since 1985 but Robert Carr plans to return with a team of archaeologists and others with the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy of Miami in May of 2003 to excavate the site further. One prime objective would to secure the land and replicate the settlement so that visitors could see exactly how the first settlers on Abaco lived. The project would be of tourist and educational value. To date, there has been no further excavation of Carleton.
Warning:
Be advised that bushwacking to this cache may have some unpleasant consequences. Enter the on the road to the public beach. Stay on the trail and wear shoes. The woods in this area is full of Black Poison Wood (Metopium toxiferum). Getting into this stuff is as bad or worse than poison ivy. Don't walk on the dropped leaves in bare feet either. Bushwack at your own risk.
Cache Search Info:
It is highly recommended that one park at the parking area for the public beach and walk the trail to approach the cache location. You will enjoy the view and the surf, avoid the poison wood and see the plaque erected as a monument to the first settlement on Abaco at the same time.
FTF: BillnBonnar