French 500 Fleur De Lis - Relocated LbNA #28294 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Family Grave Seekers  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Jan 14, 2007 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Gallipolis |
| County: | Gallia |
| State: | Ohio |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Found by: | We 4 Fly High |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Oct 13, 2007 |
| Status: | aFFFFa |
| Last edited: | Jan 14, 2007 |
Fleur de lis - French 500
*** NOTE: This letterbox seems to be missing 9/11/2008
*** NOTE: This letterbox has been replaced in a new location, the original went missing almost immediately. The stamp is a near duplicate of the first. ***
The French ‘fleur de lis’ translates to ‘flower of the lily’ and is widely recognized as a symbol of France. It is fitting that the fleur de lis is featured on the flags proudly displayed in historic Gallipolis because the city was founded over 200 years ago by a group of French settlers. These 500 Frenchmen fled the political turmoil in their country that eventually erupted into the French Revolution. As result, the name of their new home in the newly independent United States meant ‘French City’ or more literally, ‘City of the Gauls.’ Though these people were not considered sturdy pioneer stock, they persevered and overcame many obstacles to start anew. They crossed the Atlantic aboard five ships, one of which sank but the passengers were rescued. Upon arrival at Alexandria, VA, they found that the company from which they had purchased their land didn’t quite have legal right to sell it so they ended up paying for it a second time to obtain legal deeds. Cabins and fortifications against Indians were constructed at what is now the Gallipolis City Park and the French founders ended their eight-month ordeal with their arrival on October 17, 1790. When the state of Ohio was created in 1803, Gallia County was named to honor the heritage of the pioneer town already 13 years old. Visitors to Gallipolis today will notice many business names commemorating the original French settlers such as French City Homes, French City Mall, French City Press, and the French 500 Flea Market, to name a few.
Directions:
This letterbox is in a high-traffic area, so please attempt it at off-peak travel times to ensure being unobserved. Travel to the Gallipolis City Park, which is bordered by First Avenue, Second Avenue, State Street and Court Street. From Second Avenue, turn onto Court Street toward the Ohio River. (Note: it is a one-way street for the block adjoining the park!) and park in the angled parking area on the left and adjacent to the park. Scout around the park, taking in the historic buildings and the Ohio River nearby. There are several plaques with local historical information to enjoy. Midway of the Court Street block you will notice a wooden carving of a Fleur de lis. After admiring it, take the sidewalk the rest of the block of Court Street toward the Ohio River and left along First Avenue to the Veterans Memorial. The walkway to the Memorial has a brick insert. Stop where the bricks end and turn to the right. Continue around the OUTSIDE of the Memorial in a counter-clockwise direction for 19 foot-falls which should bring you to the second group of pine shrubs that are waist high. What you seek is in a camouflage-covered, zip-lock bag located between the shrub and the wall under a sprinkling of mulch. Please return the letterbox unobserved with the bags all sealed to protect the contents. I hope you enjoy my stamp and your visit to the third oldest city in Ohio. Feel free to share your experience!
*** NOTE: This letterbox seems to be missing 9/11/2008
*** NOTE: This letterbox has been replaced in a new location, the original went missing almost immediately. The stamp is a near duplicate of the first. ***
The French ‘fleur de lis’ translates to ‘flower of the lily’ and is widely recognized as a symbol of France. It is fitting that the fleur de lis is featured on the flags proudly displayed in historic Gallipolis because the city was founded over 200 years ago by a group of French settlers. These 500 Frenchmen fled the political turmoil in their country that eventually erupted into the French Revolution. As result, the name of their new home in the newly independent United States meant ‘French City’ or more literally, ‘City of the Gauls.’ Though these people were not considered sturdy pioneer stock, they persevered and overcame many obstacles to start anew. They crossed the Atlantic aboard five ships, one of which sank but the passengers were rescued. Upon arrival at Alexandria, VA, they found that the company from which they had purchased their land didn’t quite have legal right to sell it so they ended up paying for it a second time to obtain legal deeds. Cabins and fortifications against Indians were constructed at what is now the Gallipolis City Park and the French founders ended their eight-month ordeal with their arrival on October 17, 1790. When the state of Ohio was created in 1803, Gallia County was named to honor the heritage of the pioneer town already 13 years old. Visitors to Gallipolis today will notice many business names commemorating the original French settlers such as French City Homes, French City Mall, French City Press, and the French 500 Flea Market, to name a few.
Directions:
This letterbox is in a high-traffic area, so please attempt it at off-peak travel times to ensure being unobserved. Travel to the Gallipolis City Park, which is bordered by First Avenue, Second Avenue, State Street and Court Street. From Second Avenue, turn onto Court Street toward the Ohio River. (Note: it is a one-way street for the block adjoining the park!) and park in the angled parking area on the left and adjacent to the park. Scout around the park, taking in the historic buildings and the Ohio River nearby. There are several plaques with local historical information to enjoy. Midway of the Court Street block you will notice a wooden carving of a Fleur de lis. After admiring it, take the sidewalk the rest of the block of Court Street toward the Ohio River and left along First Avenue to the Veterans Memorial. The walkway to the Memorial has a brick insert. Stop where the bricks end and turn to the right. Continue around the OUTSIDE of the Memorial in a counter-clockwise direction for 19 foot-falls which should bring you to the second group of pine shrubs that are waist high. What you seek is in a camouflage-covered, zip-lock bag located between the shrub and the wall under a sprinkling of mulch. Please return the letterbox unobserved with the bags all sealed to protect the contents. I hope you enjoy my stamp and your visit to the third oldest city in Ohio. Feel free to share your experience!