Letterboxing
History
Letterboxing is a form of treasure hunting that originated in the 19th century in Dartmoor, Devon, England. The first known letterbox was placed by a Dartmoor guide named James Perrott in 1854. He left a bottle by Cranmere Pool with his calling card and encouraged others to leave their cards as well. This tradition evolved into the modern practice of leaving a stamp and a logbook, which allows visitors to leave their personal mark and record their visit.
As letterboxing gained popularity, it spread beyond Dartmoor and eventually crossed the Atlantic to the United States. The first American letterbox was placed in North Conway, New Hampshire in 1998. Today, there are thousands of letterboxes hidden across the globe, from urban parks to remote wilderness areas.
Equipment and Preparation
The basic tools for letterboxing include a notebook, a personal stamp, an ink pad, and a compass. The notebook is used to record the stamps found in each letterbox, creating a personal record of the letterboxes found. The personal stamp and ink pad are used to leave one's mark in the letterbox's logbook. The compass is often necessary to follow the clues provided to find the letterbox.
Before setting out on a letterboxing adventure, it is important to research the area and understand the clues provided. Clues can range from simple directions to complex riddles or puzzles. Some letterboxes are easy to find, while others require a significant hike or other physical effort. It is also important to respect the environment and follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
The Hunt
The hunt for a letterbox typically begins with obtaining a set of clues. These clues can be found online, in books, or at local letterboxing events. The clues will guide the letterboxer to the letterbox's location. The clues may involve following a compass bearing, counting steps, or solving a puzzle.
Once the letterbox is found, the letterboxer stamps their personal stamp in the letterbox's logbook and stamps the letterbox's stamp in their personal notebook. The letterboxer then carefully re-hides the letterbox exactly as they found it for the next person to find.
Letterbox Types and Variations
There are several variations of letterboxing. Traditional letterboxes contain a stamp and a logbook. Hitchhiker letterboxes are small boxes that are intended to be picked up and carried to another letterbox. Mystery or puzzle boxes require the solver to crack a code or solve a puzzle to find the box. Event boxes are only available at gatherings or festivals. Postal letterboxes are sent through the mail rather than hidden outdoors.
Impact and Influence
Letterboxing has had a significant impact on outdoor recreation and has influenced the development of similar activities such as geocaching. It has also been used in educational settings to teach navigation skills, problem-solving, and local history.