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Fort Bellingham Traditional Cache

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Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

In the mid-1850s, Indians from Canadian and Russian territories threatened Bellingham-area settlements, staging frequent raids with war canoes. With unrest prevailing, George Pickett was sent to build a fort on Bellingham Bay, along with the 68 men of Company D.

The chosen site for the new fort was located on a prairie above a bluff. It was the only open space on the bay and had an excellent spring, but a homesteader already occupied it. Maria Roberts, whose husband was away, refused to give up their claim, so the troops removed her roof. She had no choice but to walk the three and half miles to Whatcom even though she was many months pregnant. Later, she and her husband were allowed to build a cabin on the beach, where they remained for years.

The soldiers lived a life of drudgery at the fort. Desertions were as frequent as infractions and the jail was always occupied.

In July 1859, trouble broke out on San Juan Island when an American settler shot a Hudson’s Bay Company pig. When the Department of Oregon commander learned that British authorities in Victoria had threatened arrests, he dispatched Pickett’s company to the island to protect American interests. In response, the British sent several warships.

While the opposing forces that summer was facing off at San Juan Island, Pickett’s men busied themselves by dismantling pieces of the Fort. Later, when the British and American governments agreed to joint occupation of San Juan, what remained of Fort Bellingham was removed. Later still, the Army returned 320 acres to Mrs. Roberts, who lived there for many more years.

The old walnut tree at the location of the posted coordinates was planted by Pickett's troops, standing as the lone reminder of what was once a thriving military outpost.

The cache has been placed on private property with the owner's knowledge and approval. It is not necessary to enter the fenced compound or inspect any of the trucks and equipment parked in the vicinity of the cache. Please remove and replace the cache with care.

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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Srry ahggl? Ybbx hc, gura yvsg hc naq bhg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)