There is a famous monument located at N 43° 52.737’, W 103° 27.590’. Three of the presidents depicted there were Land Surveyors prior to their presidency.
You need to do some research before you go to stage one. Determine who were the Surveyors and their inaugural order number (e.g. George Washington = 1, John Adams = 2, etc.). Add the three inaugural order numbers (of the Land Surveyors) together, we will refer to this number as “P.”
Although measuring units of feet and acres existed when these men were surveying, a more common unit for length was a “perch” (a “rod” or “pole” is also the same length, however those terms were not used as often) and a common unit for area was a “rood” (pronounced rude).
You will need to find out how many feet are in a perch and how many roods are in an acre.
Suggestion – If you contact any licensed Land Surveyor and tell them the name of the monument, they will probably know the three presidents, as well as, knowing the length of a perch and the size of a rood.
Now you need to solve for a couple numbers;
How many perches are in a mile? We will refer to this number as “X.”
How many roods are in a square mile? We will refer to this number as “Y.”
Stage one is a National Geodetic Survey (NGS) survey marker. There is a four digit number stamped in the metal disk. There is a ‘Stop’ sign, 65 feet West of the marker with a 5-digit on the back of the sign. First, add the first two digits together and then multiply that number with the 3-digit number made from the remaining three numbers on the back of the ’Stop’ sign. Lastly, add 62 to that product to give you a final value. Now compare that final number to the number on the survey marker. They would all be consecutive if you add another four digit number into the set. What is the missing number? We will refer to this number as “M.”
The final stage is N 39° 32.ABC’ and W 76° 2D.EFG’
Now for some calculations: (Y / P) + 180 = ABC; (M x 2) – (609 + X) = DEFG
Original contents were surveying goodies, Maryland Society of Surveyors mechanical pencil and geocoin. An actual surveying field book is being used for the log book and there is plenty of room for you to write a note about your presidential surveying experience. If you want some extra geo-credit, go to the ‘Find a Benchmark’ page of the Geocaching web site and log your find of the NGS survey marker. It is ‘Timberlea Az Mk’ (PID JV6864).
UPDATE:
January 18, 2013 - Description was revised due to the replacement of one of the signs needed to solve the puzzle.
October 1, 2017 - Description was revised due to the removal and replacement of the signs needed to solve the puzzle.