The Charter Oak's Great-Grandson Letterbox

(Coventry, Connecticut)

(Wear orange blaze from Sept. ~ February. Or go on Sunday when there should not be hunters)

Hidden by Irish Tinker
Sept. 22, 2002
Difficutly - 15 minutes round trip

The story of the CT Charter is one of the most intriguing pieces of CT history. On October 9, 1662 (340 years to when this box was planted) the General Court of Connecticut won the charter from King Charles II, thanks to the diplomacy of Governor John Winthrop, Jr. Twenty-five years later, Sir Edmund Andros, his Majesty's agent, arrived in Hartford with an armed force to seize the Charter. 

Picture it, a candlit room with the charter laid out in the center of a table. For hours there is debate and raised voices when suddenly the room goes dark! When the lanterns are relit the charter has vanished!! 

Capt' Joseph Wadsworth is credited with having removed and hiding the Charter in the majestic oak on the Wylly's estate. The mighty oak fell during a great storm on August 21, 1856. People collected souvenirs of acorns and bark. The oak tree we are in hunt of today is said to be an actual descendent of the original Charter Oak Tree that once protected our State Charter. 

From the Hale Homestead parking area (don't miss boxes Uncle Sam's Nephew and Stars and Stripes) Turn LEFT out of the drive on to the main road, South Street. Across the street from the Strong Porter House there is room for one or two cars to park. You will see two stone memorials. One marks the site of Nathan's childhood friend Asher Wright's home. Wright later went on to become Nathan's Army attendant. The other stone is in honor of Harry MsKusick who was the Chief Forrester for the State of CT. His widow is a dear friend of mine. 

Between these two stones is the old cart path you must take. Follow straight .1m. If you don't have a pedometer follow straight until the stonewall on your right comes to a corner. Follow the corner right for 5 paces to the breath taking oak. It really looks like it is the King of forest! Between the tree and the wall you will find the CT Charter under some wood. 

Please rehide well. We don't want to be discovered! 

Before you set out, please read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.