2 Box Series
Difficulty: Very easy
Date Planted: November 13, 2005
Length of Walk: 1/2 mile
3/3/09 - tree is gone, box is missing and likely won't be replaced.
10/18/09 - The Englishman has been replaced.
To get to Monument Park in Malvern:
From Rte 29 and Rte 202, go south on Rte 29 toward Malvern. Turn Left on to
Lancaster Avenue (Rte 30). At the next light, turn Right on Old Lincoln
Hwy. Turn Right on Bridge Street (go over the Train Tracks). Turn Right
on King Street. At the light, turn Left on Warren Avenue. Proceed one
block, and turn Right on Monument Avenue. Continue on Monument, the
park will be on your Left.
This is a truly stroller capable search. Lil Milkmonster accompanied me on his first
letterbox plant and promptly fell asleep in his stroller.
September 21, 1777
Paoli Massacre – An American in Paoli
Brigadier General Anthony Wayne and his 1500 troops were preparing for battle
with the British who were supposedly headed for Philadelphia. The
troops rested, prepared their weapons, ate, and unwisely, made a lot of
light and smoke with their campfires. As the British stealthily
approached, sentries on horseback discovered them and rode quickly back
to the encampment shouting warning cries but it was too late – those
guarding the eastern perimeter were fatally attacked. As the remainder
of the camp began to wake up, they also began firing their rifles but
the gunfire simply lighted up their location. A terrible battle
followed, many Americans were fatally attacked and others were deformed
by the bayonets of the enemy. But one American found a safe hiding
spot.
On the east side of Monument Park, you will see two
cannons guarding the battlefield. Step towards the battle field, behind
the cannons and notice the small grove of trees to the south, before
you enter the woods. Most of these trees are fairly young but you will
see a few mature trees. One of these is shaped in a V with a welcome
hiding spot at its base. Here you will find the American soldier,
guarding his ground.
Paoli Massacre – An Englishman in Paoli
Major General Grey prepares his troops to attack the unsuspecting Americans
in Paoli. He orders them to remove the ammunition from their guns and
to prepare their bayonets for battle. This action earned him the name
of “No Flint Grey”. The British had been given the password to the
American camp by some Tories and were easily able to approach General
Wayne’s encampment. After destroying the troops guarding the eastern
perimeter they rushed towards the main encampment at 1 AM in the
morning. One young Redcoat remained in the woods, preparing to attack
any American who tried to escape.
To find the Englishman, enter the woods to the south of the American and
head east on the trail. You will notice several little trails leading back out
onto the battlefield. Most of these trails have story boards at the
end of the trail. Stand at the intersection of the trail that leads to the
first storyboard and look to your right. You will see a
massive V tree about 15 feet into the woods.
Look in the V formed by the two trunks for the Englisman's
perfect view of the battlefield.
To read more about this gruesome battle between General Wayne and General
Lord Grey, go to The Paoli Massacre.
Although this may look like a parking lot box, it really isn’t. And although the site may look like an exploded dumpster, it really isn’t a dumpster box either. I have to admit that this is definitely not the beautiful location that I picture any of my boxes residing in, but wondering about the stories that may be hiding here intrigue me. And the fact that so many commercial and retail buildings have grown up around this location without totally destroying this site absolutely amazes me. If you are into practicing CITO, this is definitely the spot to consider spending some time.
