Geocaching has been a popular activity all over the world for the last 20 years, but most people don’t know that it got it start right here in Oregon. It’s true! The very first geocache was hidden right here near Beavercreek.

Geocaching is a fun activity for people of all ages. Some people create and bury geocaches - small boxes or buckets that have unique items placed inside. Then they post the GPS coordinates on special websites.
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Geocache enthusiasts all over the world look up the sites, then take their GPS units along to find the hidden treasure.
Typically, the "finders" sign a log book to show that they were there. They might take a small item from the geocache and replace it with their own little treasure, then rebury it for others to find.
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This game didn't exist until the year 2000, when the GPS (Global Positioning System) became advanced enough to pinpoint exact locations.
On May 3, 2000, Beavercreek resident Dave Ulmer hid a black bucket containing a can of beans, some computer software, books, videos, and a slingshot.
DM/flickr
He posted his cache on a Usenet Usegroup: "Well, I did it, created the first stash hunt stash and here are the coordinates: N 45 17.460 W122 24.800 Lots of goodies for the finders. Look for a black plastic bucket buried most of the way in the ground. Take some stuff, leave some stuff! Record it all in the log book. Have Fun! Stash contians: Delorme Topo USA software, videos, books, food, money, and a slingshot!"

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The game was on! It took just a couple days for Mike Teague to become the first person to ever locate a geocache.
Lonnon Foster/flickr
The original five-gallon bucket hidden by Dave Ulmer was eventually destroyed when it was run over by a lawnmower, and the can of beans is the only surviving item from the original cache. It's been preserved and occasionally makes an appearance at geocaching events.
Mark Hilton - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia
The original geocache spot (also known as "The Original Stash") is no longer a geocache spot, but it's marked by a commemorative plaque.
Lonnon Foster/flickr
Geocache enthusiasts from all over the world have visited this place - the first ever geocache site. You can stop by for a visit, too. You'll find it at 45°17.460′N 122°24.800′W.
Tonya Stinson/flickr

Do you enjoy geocaching? Tell our readers about your adventures and fun finds in our comments!

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