BOO Y'ALL - Cotton Exchange Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

fraygirls: Oh bummer! Having it on excellent authority that this cache is gone, we're going to archive to make room for another hide somewhere around this part of downtown. A big thank you and boo y'all to everyone who visited over the years!

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Hidden : 11/20/2006
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


Welcome to Wilmington - a quaint, historic port city tucked along the Cape Fear coast. As you stroll along the streets of downtown Wilmington enjoying the views of the river, the gnarled live oaks, and the significant old homes, you must brace yourself and face one inescapable truth: Wilmington is full of history, and such history is usually accompanied by ghosts. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a cache…and a few lost souls who still call Wilmington home.

This installment of the BOO Y’ALL series brings us to Wilmington’s Cotton Exchange, a scenic collection of historic buildings which currently houses a variety of artifacts, shops and restaurants. Of course, things weren’t always so nice in this section of town. In the eighteenth century the land here was low-lying and prone to flooding, which made it undesirable for reputable development. The area became popular with members of society who were prone to mischief and even violence. It was a lawless little corner of town, a place where even the police did not dare to patrol after sunset. All forms of treachery – including, of course, murder – were commonplace here. This entire area was destroyed in 1886, when a fire swept through the north end of the city. Soon thereafter, the whole area was rebuilt to serve the then-bustling port at the foot of Red Cross Street. Railroad tracks, warehouses, and depots took the place of what many believed to have been the devil’s very own lair here in Wilmington.

Business was bustling in this area, until the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad folks made the decision to abandon Wilmington. Almost overnight, the buildings here were deserted, and again the area fell into disrepute. Locals were shocked when, many years later, it was suggested that these buildings be transformed into the Cotton Exchange as we know it today.

So this area has had a bit of an interesting rollercoaster ride. With a lively history like this, it is no surprise that many of the establishments here at the Cotton Exchange claim to enjoy visits from otherworldly characters. Mysterious figures wearing Victorian clothing have been spotted dining and shopping here, mischievous spirits that like to move merchandise around haunt several of the shops, and the voice of a playful little girl can sometimes be heard in the ice cream shop – when there aren’t any little girls there!

As you walk around the Cotton Exchange courtyard in your search for this cache, you will feel as though you are steeped in a small part of Wilmington’s history. The past (and perhaps some of the folks who lived then) will be all around you. Also, you will have buildings all around you, which may cause coordinate havoc. For those who need it, we've included a small hint. Good Luck!



Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Guerr evatf ubire nobir vg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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