THE OLDEST TOWN IN CLERMONT COUNTY
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THIS IS OUR FIRST MULTI CACHE TO HIDE. I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY A LITTLE HISTORY OF OUR TOWN.
This tour will show you the oldest town in Clermont County. It was the first county seat from 1800 to 23. The village site was surveyed in November of 1796 for Daniel DeBenneville, who had been a surgeon in the American Revolution. William Lytle was the deputy surveyor, John Campbell and William Campbell were the chain carriers, and James Sterling was the marker man. DeBenneville conveyed the whole survey to Lytle, June 30, 1800.
You will need to find the coordinates to the cache by visiting all the sites given below.
The coordinates are: 39 AB.CDE N
84 FG.HIJ W
Your tour begins in Williamsburg Cemetery at 39 03.566 N 084 03.494 W.
Visit the old soldier who pays his respects to Our Fallen Heroes. This monument was erected B00 years after the town’s establishment.
Then, with a heading of 320° walk 44 paces to visit Albert G McMillen.
From Albert G McMillen look to the East by North East as the bishops protect the royal pair and approach the queen. John Lytle died Jan. 30, 1E43
76 yrs. 5 ms. & 22 ds.
Next you will need to proceed to 39 03.053N 084 03.285 W
This is the site of Harmony Hill, the home of Major General William Lytle, the “Father of Clermont County”. The stone building at the north of the house was built in the early 1800s and once served as Lytle's dairy house. It might be the oldest building still standing in the county. Lytle lived in the home until 1810, and later died in 183D
Carry on your tour at 39 03.352 N 084 03.124W
You now find yourself standing on Gay street, which when the village was young, was its main street in town because the fording spot of the East Fork of the Little Miami River was its east end. At one time Gay Street was part of the major Indian trail in this part of Ohio, the Bullskin Trail. In Clermont County, the trail in many places is covered by State Route 133. The fording spot was used by many early settlers and famous people the likes of Tecumseh, Black Fish, Black Hoof, Blue Jacket, Simon Kenton, Cornelius Washburn and Daniel Boone. You should be standing in front of the Williamsburg ME Church which was established in A.D. 1H45.
Continue on to 39 03.313N 084 03.508W
Welcome to the town square. The Presbyterians, and the Methodists, first held service in Thomas Morris' log courthouse and jail that stood on or near the site of 164 N. Broadway. Later, the churches moved to the second courthouse building that stood on the Town Square, surrounded by Main, Broadway, Spring and Fifth streets. Morris built the first courthouse and jail in 1801. The stone courthouse and jail on the Town Square were built in 180C. While here, you could take the time to sit on one of the I benches and watch the ins and outs of small town life.
In the early 1800s, the property north of the northwest corner of Main and Broadway was the home of Ebenezer and Rachel Osborne. Their daughter Lydia became known as the lost child of Williamsburg. On July 13, 1804, she went to the Big Field to bring in the family cows, but never returned. Hundreds of people searched for her for almost two weeks. It is said she was seen about 20 years later in Indiana living with the Wyandot Indians, the wife of a Wyandot brave, and mother of several children.
Now, please go to N39 03.281 W084 05.959
This is the current location of Williamsburg Township Hall where all of the town’s business is discussed. It sits at 4A25 Alexander Lane.
From the current Town Hall to the historical one. Drive to 39 03.151N 084 03.073W
This is the first permanent residence in Williamsburg, and one of the oldest houses still standing in Clermont County. It is the Samuel Davis home and it was built in 18F5 by John Charles, recognized as the county's first major architect. The building served as a recruiting area for the county's militia and Military Courts of Inquiry. Simon Kenton attended militia musters here.
Not far down the road you’ll find 39 03.096N 084 02.961W
American Legion Post G88.
Then behind the Legion, there is 39 03.033 084 02.989W
Welcome to Williamsburg Community Park. The walking trail was dedicated to James Burger in 2000, and it is woven around a frisbee golf course. According to the plaque, the park was dedicated to the town in 19J8.
You should now have all that you need to locate the cache. Good luck, and I hope you enjoyed your tour of the oldest town in Clermont County.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
HAQRE GUR EBPX NG GUR ONFR BS GUR VAPYVAR