GC18GAB Chimera at Weymouth Furnace (Traditional Cache) in New Jersey, United States created by melcrim

This cache has been archived.

OReviewer: As there's been no cache to find for a long time or has had no owner response for at least 30 days, I'm archiving it to keep it from showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

GC18GAB ▼

A cache by melcrim Message this owner

Hidden : 1/6/2008

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A small camoed cache hidden in a picturesque historical park.

Welcome to Weymouth Furnace. This beautiful little park is part of the Atlantic County Park System. Come for a quick cache or pack a picnic and take some time to explore the ruins. Take care not to disturb them. The cache is not near any of the "MAN MADE" ruins. This is a dawn to dusk park only. The cache is located in an an area that could be dangerous to explore in the dark. Please use common sense and don't get hurt.

The Weymouth Furnace produced iron products from the late 1700's until the mid 1800's. The workers used local bog iron from the local Jersey swamps to produce everything from pots and pans to ammunition. Cannon balls that were used in the War of 1812 were produced here. The Weymouth Furnace was the first furnace to make cast iron sewer pipes. The pipes were shipped to Philadelphia and installed as replacements to the wooden pipes that had been in use at the time.

In it's heyday the furnace supported an entire small village. It was complete with the workers' homes, a church,
saw mill, a store, grist mill and the owners mansion.

This furnace, just like the many other furnaces in and around the Pine Barrens, relied on charcoal to fuel the fires. By the mid 1800's these furnaces couldn't compete with newer furnaces in other states that used coal and a higher grade of iron. All the pines' furnances eventually shut down. The Weymouth Furnace then burned in 1862.

The ruins that you see are actually those of two paper mills
that were built at the site of the furnace. These mills operated for about 30 years before shutting down. Many of the stones and other building materials were scavenged by the locals and what was left was reclaimed by nature.

Now the the area has been turned into a park for all to enjoy. It's a popular put in and take out spot for kyaks, canoes and inner tubes. I don't think there is a prettier spot for taking pictures anywhere close by. There are picnic tables and even a charcoal grill for your use.

You will also notice that a flowing artesian well is located here. Legend has it that the water has healing properties and many old timers would bring there jugs to fill. About ten years ago or so the Health Department posted a huge sign warning people not to drink the water!!! This is New Jersey after all.

Enjoy the cache and enjoy a little bit of local history.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

N ybt yvxr ab bgure.

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)

This cache has been archived.

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Chimera at Weymouth Furnace Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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