Cement chamber deep in woods

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

So I decided to hike deep into the old park woods to investigate the anomaly at the center of this LIDAR image.

I eventually found the approx 18’x18’ raised mound about 50 yards off a path on a fairly steep slope, no where near water and the path was not much more than a game trail.

I was surprised to see a “manhole” style cover at the peak of the mound with a heavy metal band across.

The mound was actually cement and there were eyebolts where the band could have pad locked the cover down.
I lifted the cover and there was water about 10’ down. Concerned that the cement might give way and I would fall into the abyss, I took one more pic and detected a big circle around the mound finding nothing.

I looked up Rosedale Foundry and found some articles going back to the 1800’s on this local Pittsburgh company.

Question is, what did I find? No apparent old homesite near by. Not near a stream, on the side of a hill. Obviously pretty old. Could it have been a cold storage chamber for something? I have found modern structures in the woods that had a metal ladder to access and were obviously some sort of storm sewer entry. This seemed to be a large empty chamber.

Thx for your help.

 

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[Anduril]

Interesting.
Rosedale Foundry may have nothing to do with the find or the property.
They may just be the manufacturer of the hatch cover.

The only thing I can think of is an exploratory well of some kind, but even that doesn't seem right.
Maybe you can find some hints going back in the property records, or old maps of the area.

 

[invent4hir]

First, kudos for looking at LIDAR. If a home or other building once stood nearby I'd think maybe it was used as a cistern. If this goes unidentified there are a few ways to figure out what it is. Weather permitting consider doing a surface & detecting search again for signs of human activity. Also look at every available map & aerial photo. Plus talk to the former property owners/long-time residents to see if they know what it is. Good luck!

 

[flinthunter]

Close to us is a very large 1800's spring fed cistern located on a hillside near the top of the hill. The house was located at the bottom of the hill. Being located below the water source, the house had constant water pressure in all of its plumbing system.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Close to us is a very large 1800's spring fed cistern located on a hillside near the top of the hill. The house was located at the bottom of the hill. Being located below the water source, the house had constant water pressure in all of its plumbing system.

Thx. I checked about 100’ around the mound with nothing, but will check further down the hill by the stream. I like this idea of creating water pressure.

 

[ToddsPoint]

I'd be wondering if there are any dead bodies/bones in there. That would be a great place to stash a body. Yikes! Old holes like that need filled in so someone doesn't fall in there and die. Gary

 

[PetesPockets55]

It does seem like an industrial size structure.

It might be a lot of work but if you dig on the downward side of the structure, usually towards the center, you may find an exit pipe just above the level of the water.

 

[PetesPockets55]

Another question I had while looking at the LIDAR image is if there is a path/trail leading to or from the "bunker"?

 

[islamoradamark]

Mysterious find, maybe pump it out with a bilge pump to see what lies in the depths. I always would check the bottom off that hill, as we know coins roll down hill have fun

 

[pepperj]

Close to us is a very large 1800's spring fed cistern located on a hillside near the top of the hill. The house was located at the bottom of the hill. Being located below the water source, the house had constant water pressure in all of its plumbing system.

That seems like the most plausible answer. Unless the sidewalls are crumbling away I would trust the exterior ground around the hatch. I would tie a magnet on a cord and see if any iron items are in the bottom-and to establish what is the bottom.
A neighbour many years ago drained the cistern in the basement of the house, found a brass/copper ladle from the mid 1800's, marbles, and a few other items lay at the bottom.
At least this has a lid to it, I have come across many open wells detecting over the yrs.

I wish I could get the LIDAR system to work for my area-Maybe I am just doing something wrong.

 

[Wint]

Well I just learned what LIDAR was after reading this, very useful little tool! Thanks for posting!

Will definitely be putting this to use to scope out some areas to prospect. Man I wish it wasn't hunting season haha

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Another question I had while looking at the LIDAR image is if there is a path/trail leading to or from the "bunker"?
View attachment 1873163

No significant trail in this patch of woods.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

That seems like the most plausible answer. Unless the sidewalls are crumbling away I would trust the exterior ground around the hatch. I would tie a magnet on a cord and see if any iron items are in the bottom-and to establish what is the bottom.
A neighbour many years ago drained the cistern in the basement of the house, found a brass/copper ladle from the mid 1800's, marbles, and a few other items lay at the bottom.
At least this has a lid to it, I have come across many open wells detecting over the yrs.

I wish I could get the LIDAR system to work for my area-Maybe I am just doing something wrong.

Some day I may get into digging out wells. Plenty around my parts, just a lot of effort and mess.