SSB - Caledon Natural Area Traditional Geocache
SSB - Caledon Natural Area
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
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!
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.
This is a traditional hide using a clear Lock & Lock container. Caledon is open from 8 AM to sunset. There is a parking fee ($2 weekdays $3 weekends/car).
Caledon offers five hiking trails within the natural area. The trails are open year-round and take park visitors through environmentally sensitive marshlands and picturesque wooded areas of the park. The 3.5 mile Boyd's Hole Trail leading to the Potomac River is the most popular of the trails. Because human traffic disturbs the park's summer population of roosting and foraging eagles, this trail is only open from Oct. 1 through March 31. Click Here to view the trail map and park brochure.
Caledon Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark in King George County, is located on land that was once the early colonial seat of the Alexander family. John and Philip Alexander founded the city of Alexandria and established Caledon Plantation in 1659. Some 155 years later, a squadron of British ships would pass close by this Potomac River locale – ironically, they would be on their way to capture the now thriving port of Alexandria, upriver and in close proximity to Washington, D.C.
By the time the squadron, under Captain James Alexander Gordon, traveled upriver and reached Fort Washington on the 27th of August, the site had already been burned and abandoned by the American forces. Two days earlier, a delegation of Alexandria citizens had been to Washington, still smoking from the fires set by the British, to secure their terms of surrender with General Robert Ross. After taking Alexandria with no resistance the troops were provisioned and the naval stores and goods bound for export were seized.
As the ships made their way back down the Potomac in the direction of Caledon and points southeast, they encountered American resistance at the White House Battery and the Indian Battery in present day Fairfax County, though it did little to deter their progress past the present day Natural Area to rendezvous with Cochrane’s fleet at the mouth of the river and prepare for the attack on Baltimore.
The passing of the squadron in August 1814 was not the first time the British made their way to King George County. In July 1813, on an early raiding mission, British troops came within only a few miles of the present day natural area. Several barges and two brigs entered nearby Rozier’s Creek, southeast of where the Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center now sits, but were repulsed by local militia forces, who prevented them from landing.
A stop at Caledon today begins in the visitor center, where park goers can view exhibits on the bald eagle and the site’s history. The center is open Wednesday through Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park has is a significant eagle habitat and is used by the birds, especially in summer, as a nesting ground. There is a no-boating zone off the shores of the Potomac River managed by the Natural Area. Limited ranger-guided eagle tours are available during summer months. Other programs include Junior Rangers night hikes, astronomy, storytelling, bonfire programs, bird watching and crafts.
Thanks to Sammy Zambon, Chief Ranger for placing this hide and to the Maryland Geocaching Society for assisting with this project!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Yvevbqraqeba ghyvcvsren K3