What Exactly Is Letterboxing?

An intriguing mix of treasure hunting, navigational skills, problem solving and rubber stamp carving appeals to the best of us in this fun new sport.

The object is to correctly interpret and follow a set of clues, leading you to the location of the letterbox.

The clues may come in a variety of formats depending on the box owners preference. Some are cryptic in nature and need to be deciphered ahead of time. Others may contain compass orientation references in which a compass is needed, and some may even utilize descriptions of local landmarks that only make sense when one is in the general vicinity of the box.

Each letterbox contains a unique rubber stamp and logbook and all seekers carry their own personal rubber stamp and logbook.

When a letterbox is found, the finder records their visit by stamping their personal rubber stamp image into the letterbox logbook, and stamp the letterbox rubber stamp image into their own personal logbook.

Sometimes a hitchhiker is found, which is a separate stamp and logbook that has been left by a previous finder of the letterbox.

When a hitchhiker is found, the finder stamps the hitchhiker image into their personal logbook and stamps their personal rubber stamp image into the hitchhiker logbook. Next, they remove the hitchhiker from the letterbox and take it with them, placing it into the next letterbox they find.

Thus, it "hitchhikes" a ride from letterbox to letterbox without ever having a true letterbox home of it's own.

Occasionally, hitchhikers have been known to travel clear across the continent and back.

Letterboxing is a wonderful activity suited well for singles, couples, groups and families alike. People from all walks of life and backgrounds are discovering this intriguing pastime. Once you've mastered the skill of finding a few letterboxes, you'll want to try creating and placing your own. Carving your own stamp images can add to your enjoyment, especially to the one who finds your letterbox and discovers your own hand-carved stamp!

Responsible Letterboxing & Personal Safety

While letterboxing is a reasonably safe pastime, some general considerations should be reviewed and practiced.

A Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer statement is included with all clues posted through the LBNA. It is wise to read and become familiar with these statements prior to searching for letterboxes.

More Information About Letterboxing

The Smithsonian Magazine wrote an article in April of 1998, which helped the development of a web site to promote letterboxing called Letterboxing North America.

This in turn, peaked an interest in this new hobby from coast to coast and soon the Yahoo
Group Letterbox-usa was formed, where letterbox enthusiasts converse regularly about this fun hobby.

Where Did Letterboxing Originate?

Letterboxing is a rapidly growing hobby in the United States today and expanding into other parts of the world as well.

Letterboxing can be traced back to 1854, when a Victorian gentleman walker put his calling card in a bottle and stuck the bottle into a bank at Cranmere Pool, in a remote part of Dartmoor, England.

Today there are literally thousands of letterboxes hidden throughout Dartmoor National Park in southwestern England.