MZ1654 - Mt Holyoke Reset - South Hadley, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 18.029 W 072° 35.279
18T E 698820 N 4685956
This benchmark is a triangulation station that is on the edge of a cliff on Mt. Holyoke, overlooking the Connecticut River Valley.
Waymark Code: WMC2DW
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 07/17/2011
Views: 6
In South Hadley, on the top of Mt. Holyoke within the J. A. Skinner State Park, there is a group of benchmarks near the old Summit House structure. The primary mark is located along a rock ledge that forms the edge of a scenic outlook that provides great views to the southwest of the Connecticut River Valley and Mount Tom, located across the river.
To get to the mark, from Highway 47, drive to the town line between Hadley and South Hadley, then turn west onto a road leading to the J. A. Skinner State Park. Proceed up the road to the summit (elevation approx. 990 ft). From the small parking lot at the summit. head to the left side of the summit to the ledge and to the mark. There are three benchmarks on the ledge. The primary mark is the center one of these. The other two are reference marks: Ref. No. 1 and Ref. No. 2. A third disk, Ref. No. 3, is located on a ledge close to the Summit House, beyond a stairway to the building.
The mark currently has a triangle painted around it, somewhat faded. The disk itself has the following on it. Inside the edge are the words: "Mass. Dept. of Public Works - Triangulation Station."
Inside are the following embossed on the face: "Mt. Holyoke - 1895 - 1937." There is a triangle and dot embossed in the center.
The disk is in good condition, however, it is scratched and severely pitted.
The J. A. Skinner State Park is publically accessible, and you can drive up to the summit. Check the park's web site for specific times and dates the park is open.
I had seen this disk many years ago, before knowing geocaching/benchmarking/waymarking.
Condition: Mark found in good condition
Designation: MT. HOLYOKE - 1895 - 1937
Benchmark Agency: Not listed
Monumentation type: TRIANGULATION STATION Disk
County: Hampshire
USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Name (optional): Mt. Holyoke
Special category (optional): Not listed
Find type: Found by luck/skill/knowledge
Web address of this benchmark's datasheet (optional): [Web Link]
NGS PID: MZ1654
Benchmark Agency (if other): Not listed
Monumentation type (if other): Not listed
Special Category (if other): Not listed
Local database's URL (optional): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
- A closeup photo of the mark taken by you is required.
- A 'distant' photo including the mark in the view is highly recommended. Include the compass direction you faced when you took the picture.