Ever changing Island Virtual Cache
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Welcome to St.Clement's Island
St. Clement's Island was the site of the first landing of the settlers from Lord Baltimore's Maryland colony on March 25, 1634. The island served as a temporary home until a permanent settlement could be set up. It was the sight of the first Catholic mass held in Maryland.
The island was granted to Dr Thomas Gerard and passed to his Daughter who married Nehemiah Blackistone, the island's name being changed to Blackistone Island around 1669. It stayed in the family, in various forms and stages of development until 1919.
In 1851 a Lighthouse was erected on the Potomac side of the island to aid in navigation. It remained active until 1932. Later it was used as target practice by the Navy and finally burned to the ground in 1952.
In 1934, a 40' cross was erected near the lighthouse to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Maryland.
In 1962 it became a Maryland State Park.
A replica of the Lighthouse was finished in 2008
On the island you will find numerous and insightful information boards that interpret the history, geography and natural features of the island. Also, visit the museum on Colton's point for more history of the island and local lore.
The island is only accessible by boat. Private boats are welcome sun up to sun down and I have listed the piers and landing points as Parking spots in the waypoints for you. In the summer months, there is often a ferry available on weekends from the St. Clement's Island Museum that will take you to and fro from the island if you don't have your own transportation. Kayaks can be launched from New Towne Neck State park, but it can be a harrowing trip if the water is tall.
To log this cache you must message/email me the answers to a few questions:
1. What was located at the posted coordinates?
2. Who is the most recent person's death listed on the plaque at the bottom of the the Cross
3. What type of tree is planted to the right of the stage? (hint: it was planted in 1993)
Bonus
Sometimes the replica of Blackistone light house is open. IF you can get into the light house, you can answer the following questions
4. How many wooden stairs are between the second floor and the attic
5. How many bricks can be seen surrounding the chimney flue under the arch of the chimney as seen from the cupola?
That's it!
I hope you enjoy your trip to "The birthplace of Maryland". It is a unique area in our widely ranging state. Please take some time to take in the sights and read about the history and happenings on this oft forgotten State Park.
This cache is placed with permission and cooperation of the Maryland State Forest and Park Service, Point Lookout Facility.
Virtual Reward project.Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)