Oak Grove Crownstone Traditional Cache

This geocache is an easy find. Even though it is easy, it is not intended as a quick C & D. You will want to hang around for awhile and take in the moment.

Known as the “Oak Grove Crownstone”, this geocache site is located along the Mason-Dixon Line at the location of the Mason-Dixon survey monument in an unincorporated area of western Seaford, Delaware known as Oak Grove. The limestone Mason-Dixon survey monument was imported from England and was placed here 350 years ago. It marks the 83 mile vertical “Tangent Line” which connects the center point of the Delmarva Peninsula (to the south) to the circular northern boundary. In 2003 an historical marker was added to the site. The historical marker inscription explains the tangent line in detail:

 “Charged with marking the long-disputed boundaries of the colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania (including the “Three Lower Counties” of Delaware), English astronomers Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon landed in America on November 15, 1763. The following June they traveled to a place on the Delmarva Peninsula which had been previously determined to be mid-way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Known as the Middle Point, it is now the southwest corner of the State of Delaware. From there they journeyed northward, proceeding with the painstaking task of surveying a line to intersect with a location 12 miles distant from the Town of New Castle. Temporary wooden markers were placed at one-mile intervals. On July 6, 1764, they arrived here, fifteen miles north of their place of beginning. In December 1765 they returned to this area to replace the temporary markers with stones imported from England. At intermediate mile points the stones were marked with the letters P and M on reverse sides. At every five-mile point the stones were engraved with the coats of arms of the Calvert and Penn families, proprietors of the colonies. Mason and Dixon completed their work in January 1768. The boundaries were formally approved in 1775.”

Geocachers who are not local to the area may not realize that the limestone survey monument marks the State of Maryland to the west and that the eastern side of it marks the State of Delaware. I am so excited to visit this historical marker and limestone monument. (I touched it and took a selfie!!!)

There is minimal traffic.  Parking is available on the shoulders of the road and a white fence was placed around the monument as an Eagle Scout project by Cyrus Teter.  Please sign log and replace exactly where found.  

This beautiful and important location is excellent for family and children. It is not to be missed! Geocaching is wonderful!

“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.”—Proverbs 22:28 (NIV)

“Let me recite what history teaches. HISTORY TEACHES.”—Gertrude Stein