In 1883, the lure of gold brought the first permanent white settlers, three of whom were James Ramsey, Ben Pearrygin, and Guy Waring. Waring stopped at the forks of the Chewuch and Methow rivers in 1891. His family settled into the "Castle" (now the Shafer Museum).
Although Waring is the acclaimed founding father, the town is named after Theodore Winthrop, a Yale graduate, adventurer/traveler and gifted 19th century author.
The town was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1893. Waring's original Duck Brand Saloon was built in 1891. It survived the fire and is now Winthrop's Town Hall and close to the site of this Geocache.
This are can be quite crowded (on a busy weekend) or deserted (more normal). Scan the area discreetly then check your ideas. While you are here be sure to read our town's history and look over the old cattle brands. This is a good excuse to stand around a while, but actually focus your eyes lower down. Snow (within reason) will not effect this cache.