RR Knutz: Aquia Creek Traditional Geocache
Hidden : 1/7/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


Visit the CSX crossing of beautiful Aquia Creek! And find one of
the geocaches in the Railroad Knutz series while you are there!!

In 1834, long before the CSX name came into being and this line became part of that railroad, the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad was chartered to run from Richmond north via Fredericksburg to the Potomac River. The RF&P started operations in 1836, but it was not until 1842 that trains reached the originally planned northern terminus on Aquia Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River. Steamboat service from Aquia Creek to Washington, D.C., and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was provided by the Washington and Fredericksburg Steamboat Company, later renamed the Potomac Steamboat Company, which came to control the RF&P in 1845.

In 1870, an extension northward to Quantico was authorized. This extension split from the existing line at Brooke, and the old line to the Aquia Creek wharf was abandoned upon the opening of the Quantico wharf in 1872. The crossing of Aquia Creek made during this extension is now part of the CSX main line through the Rappahannock region. Right beside the bridge is Hope Springs Marina from which you can get a fabulous view of this stately railroad bridge and of Aquia Creek while seeking this cache.

Before this crossing was built, the Aquia Creek terminus was, of course, an important area of commerce and worthy of attention by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War. One of the first engagements of the war occurred on Aquia Creek as Union naval forces attempted to dislodge the Confederate gun batteries that had been established to protect the railroad and to inhibit Union control of the Potomac River. For more information about the Battle of Aquia Creek, please read the Wikipedia article Battle of Aquia Creek.

This cache is part of the Railroad Knutz series by the Cachew Knutz. For information about the series and the fabulous golden spike for the first to find the whole series, please check out the ultimate cache in the series, RR Knutz: The Golden Spike.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



Advertising with Us

Inventory

There are no Trackables in this cache.

View past Trackables

What are Trackable Items?

Bookmark Lists

View all bookmark lists...