Peters Cave. Peter Wilcox succeeded in concealing himself completely here, save from friends in nearby houses, who fed him until the ban of the government was lifted and amnesty granted. Wilcox escaped from jail, where he had been locked up with Nathaniel Austin, another Lee rebel. During their imprisonment, their wives were occasionally permitted to visit them at the Lenox jail. “On one of these occasions they carried to their husbands a loaf of bread in which concealed the saw which had been used to amputate the frozen feet of John Winegar. Early the next morning, Wilcox and Austin, having sawed off the shackles around their ankles, passed out of jail, dressed in their wives’ clothes. When the jailor carried the breakfast in to the men, the men were gone, and in their places were their wives in their husbands’ clothes. The women were soon released and a search made for the men.” New England Buried Treasure, Perry. One of my most coveted books!

Ferncliff in Lee, tucked away in a tightly settled residential block you would never know there is a mountain with cliffs to explore! 18 acres of excellent geological formations on the highest point of town. Trails start here at the end of the road on the outskirts of a large field behind the Crossway Village Apartments. Head in and start climbing, trails are not marked but only about a mile or so of them. We set off discovering the history here of Peter’s Cave, Coydog Cave and Union Rock. Great views from some of the cliffs! Area is maintained by Lee Land Trust. Historical photos courtesy of Jim Moore.

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