SSB - Bladensburg Waterfront Park Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

SirCrab: Unfortunately the owner did not respond to the previous note so this is being archived. Should the owner decide to repair/replace this and have it unarchived, it can be done as long as it still conforms to the guidelines.

Regards,
SirCrab
Volunteer Cache Reviewer

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Hidden : 2/26/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail
Bladensburg Waterfront Park

During the first challenge along the Star-Spangled Banner GeoTrail, over 400 first edition SSB geocoins were awarded. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Star-Spangled Banner GeoTour. We are currently out of geocoins but stay tuned for other opportunities along the Star-Spangled Banner GeoTour! A new challenge with a new prize will be ready in 2015.


Come on a journey to remember and commemorate the dramatic chain of events, people and places that led to the birth of our National anthem.

The story of the Star-Spangled Banner was shaped by the events of the Chesapeake Campaign during the War of 1812. From February 1813 until February 1815, the Chesapeake Bay was the center of a fierce struggle between the British and Americans. Places and landscapes still exist today that provide a touchstone to the past. The trail traces events and related sites that figured prominently in the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812 that have national significance, physical integrity, and the potential for contemporary recreation and interpretation.

The Star-Spangled Banner (SSB) Geotrail launched February 27, 2010 with over 30 caches within Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. A trackable geo coin will be awarded to the first 400 geocachers, while supplies last, for locating at least 20 SSB caches. To be eligible for the coin, geocachers must download a passport from either the SSB Geotrail or Maryland Geocaching Society website. Geocachers must find and log at least 20 SSB finds, record the code word from each cache on their passport and post a picture of themselve at each cache location. After discovering the 20 required caches, geocachers may have their passports validated in person or via mail at the Friends of Chesapeake Gateways office located at 410 Severn Ave, Suite 314, Annapolis, MD 21403. Please refer to the passport for complete validation instructions.

Participating in the SSB geotrail is fun and we hope that many people join in. However, it is not a requirement for logging your find on this cache once you find the container.



The Battle of Bladensburg in August 1814 marked one of the most significant clashes of the War of 1812. Battle-tested British forces, led by Major General Robert Ross, soundly defeated the numerically superior, but inexperienced, U.S. soldiers – a mix of sailors, Marines and militia. Following a series of strategic errors, the Americans beat a hasty retreat, later known as the “Bladensburg Races.” Indeed, the withdrawal was so quick, that President James Madison, who had come out from Washington, D.C. to watch the battle, nearly suffered capture at the hands of opposition forces. The defeat at Bladensburg gave the British easy passage into Washington, the nation’s capital. In fact, later that same night, August 24, 1814, they entered the city unopposed; ready to seek vengeance for the American’s looting of York (now Toronto) in Canada in 1813.

A visit to Bladensburg Waterfront Park today provides a fine view of the bridge site where British forces crossed the Anacostia River (known then as the East Branch) and attacked the first line of American defenses. Interpretive panels at the sight provide details on the Battle itself as well as the trajectory of the Chesapeake Campaign.

Nestled among the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor and Cottage City, the revitalized Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located on the Anacostia River, one of the most historic waterways in America. Managed by the M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers a public boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic pavilion, playground, B&O Railroad caboose and a community boathouse storage facility. The rich history of the area is chronicled along the way by interpretive signs.

Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are available on weekends from late May to the end of October. Free pontoon boat tours allow visitors to explore this surprisingly scenic river with the guidance of a naturalist. Canoeing and kayaking lessons are offered as well as many other interesting nature and history programs. The hiker/biker bridge links this park directly to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. Special events include the annual Port Towns Day, Paddlesport Regatta, and annual river clean-ups.





Thanks to the M-NCPPC Park Rangers for helping with this hide and the Maryland Geocaching Society for assisting with this project!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

arkg gb n ebpx haqre n oenapu. Vg vf arne gur pheil jbbqra oevqtr.

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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