Geocaching History

Geocaching, was first coined in 2000. The prefix geo to represent earth, global, and geography. And the word cache to mean a hiding place someone would use to temporarily store items, or more recently used as a computer storage designed to quickly retrieve frequently used information. The combination of Earth, hiding, and technology makes geocaching an excellent term for this activity.

At first geocaching was confined to experienced GPS users who already used the technology for outdoor activities such as backpacking and boating. With the help of a few pioneers, the idea of treasure hunting and using tech-gadgets represented the marriage of two popular interests. Later a website was born to create tools, and a database to improve the cache-hunting experience. Additional features, like searching for caches by zip codes, made it easier for new players to find listings for nearby caches. At the time the site was launched there were 75 known caches in the world.

Slashdot (online techie magazine), The New York Times, and CNN picked up the story starting a domino effect of articles written in magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets around the world. However, because there were so few caches in the world, many would-be participants discovered they didn’t have a cache listed nearby. Many wondered whether anyone would bother looking for a cache if they hid one in their area. The growing community chanted the mantra “If you hide it, they will come”. After some reassurances, pioneers of the hobby started placing caches just to see whether people would go find them. And they did.

More and more people have become involved in geocaching – techies, GPS enthusiasts, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. The excitement of the hunt appeals to both the inner and outer child. Today you can do a search on just about anywhere in the world and be able to walk, bike, or drive to a nearby hidden cache. Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

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