This coal town strung out along the upper reaches of Wrights Fork of Boone, a tributary of the North Fork of the Kentucky River, and 9 1/2 mi. NE. of Whitesburg, was founded by the Consolidation Coal Co. in 1912 and named for Samuel McRoberts, a New York City banker and later (1918-28) a co. director.
McRoberts is a small coal town located in the Cumberland Mountains in Eastern Kentucky. It is a town which was built for only one reason--that of housing the men brought in to mine the newly purchased coal field. The company spent a tremendous sum of money developing the mines in Letcher County before shipping any coal. It was necessary to plan and build a water system, power plant, offices, tipples, houses, roads, schools, churches and any other necessary needs for the thousands of people who were to come later.
The coal mines once employed twenty-six hundred men and the community was alive with activity. Now the underground mines are gone and the population has reduced to 911 residents, however, this community has united and through the spirit and unity of the mountain people will again revive the social and recreational potential of our hometown.
This Walkway is dedicated to Private First Class Joseph Boyd Sumpter. The Walkway has an asphalt surface, and is mostly flat since it is a decommisioned railroad. There are benches along the way for you to stop and take a break, and also trash receptacles. There is a shelter with picnic tables, so feel free to make a day of it and have some lunch.
Joseph, born August 26, 1946 died September 9, 1967 serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was killed by hostile mortar and artillery fire on September 9th, 1967 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. Joseph was a resident of McRoberts and was 21 years of age when he gave the supreme sacrifice for his country. A monument has been placed on the walking path in honor of Joseph Boyd Sumpter. Joseph was a recipient of the Purple Heart
PERSONAL DATA Home of Record: Mc Roberts, Kentucky Date of birth: Monday, 08/26/1946 MILITARY DATA Service: Marine Corps (Selective Service) Grade at loss: E2 Rank: Private First Class ID No: 2233349 MOS: 1371 COMBAT ENGINEER LenSvc: Between 1 and 2 years Unit: 11TH ENG BN, 3RD MARDIV CASUALTY DATA Start Tour: Not recorded Cas Date: Saturday, 09/09/1967 Age at Loss: 21 Remains: Body Recovered Location: Quang Tri, South Vietnam Type: Hostile, Died Reason: Artillery, Rocket, Mortar - Ground Casualty ON THE WALL Panel 26E Line 040
This is a multi cache, the coordinates above will take you to the McRoberts War Veterans Memorial Monument. There you will collect data to give you the final coordinates for the last stage located on the Walkway.
1. What is the Local Union Number? (Located on the World War II side of the Monument)A B C D ___ ___ ___ 2. What is the District Number? (Also located on the World War II side of the Monument) E F ___ ___
These answers can be found near the bottom of the Monument!
To get to the walking trail, proceed East until you get to the fenced area, you can park on the outside of the gate or at the church across from the monument! Its a nice little walk to the cache! You are looking for a Hide-A-Key. The GPSr had trouble getting a reading, I took 150 shots averaging, coordinates are within 10-15 ft. I have provided a hint if you feel it necessary.
The Final coordinates are N 37° 12. A B C W 82° 40. (D - 1) (E + 5) (F + 8)
* Here is a checksum for the final coordinates, the sum of the digits N 37° 12.ABC W 82° 40.DEF A+B+C=17 D+E+F=16
Happy Caching!!!!!!!!
PM_Thumper