Geocaching history: Getting to see the Original Can of Beans

It’s likely the most famous trackable in geocaching history.

The original can of beans.

For those who aren’t geocachers, the original can of beans is one of the most historical pieces of the game.

The first geocache was placed on May 3, 2000 in Oregon by Dave Ulmer. The original contents included in the black plastic bucket were software, videos, books, food, money and a slingshot. The food included a can of beans.

The OCB as it is called among geocachers, is the last remaining piece of that original cache. It was unearthed by Team 360 when the original cache tribute plaque was being installed. According to the travel bug page for the OCB, Ulmer was present during the placing of the plaque and confirmed the item as authentic.

The can was quite damaged as it was partially buried and exposed to the weather, it was carefully straightened out and cleaned. It was also treated with rust stopper and UV-resistant polyurethane, the website notes.

Now, it is taken around to certain events throughout the world so people can see the history. The can is in a clear display case.

I am a pretty big history buff when it comes to hobbies and such I am involved in. Geocaching is no different. I had never had the chance to see the OCB, but it was at the Allegany State Park GeoBash this past weekend and I had the chance to see it, as well as chat with the owner of the item for a bit.

For those of you who aren’t geocachers, it’s understandable to not understand the significance of this item. While it’s true that it’s just an old can of beans – and not in the best shape after the wear and tear of being in the elements of the Pacific Northwest – it’s still a cool piece of history to see.

I don’t know if I’ll ever see it again, but it’s nice to check it off the “bucket list” of geocaching things to see or do. It’s definitely a cool item to log and to be able to have seen it up close and personal.

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