Gravestone or not?

R

Reddackel

Guest
Hi All,

I hope this is the correct forum in which to address the following.

This past weekend while recconning a potential MD site, I came upon a stone marker. It is approximately 18 inches high and about 6 inches deep. It is in the shape of a rectangle and stands at the base of a tree. It has 2 sets of initials on it. "HY and RW", HY being on top and RW on the bottom of the stone. I will post a picture sometime later this week when I go back out, but my initial question is could this be a gravestone? A river marker? Is something like this a typical find? The area is wooded and not traveled whatsoever. Somewhat untouched. This area runs parallel to an interstate also, so I am wondering if perhaps it could be an old road marker. Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks,
Red
 

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welcome to the forum,

And yes this is the right place to post, it could be lots of things, try to find more marks in the area look at rocks, trees, etc. I would say for a good mile radius.
Some pics will also help us to help you. Also do some research on the location........


Best,

Chagy........
 

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could it be a highway...right of way marker? like Chagy said pics would be great..... check for a highway or drive way nearby!
 

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Thanks guys! I was looking at photos of benchmarks and boundary markers online, and it seems a bit similar, but the inscription is throwing me off. The HY and RW...I don't know. As to a driveway or anything there, nada. It's in the woods. However, the interstate is a short distance off and there, at one time, could well have been an old road. Of significance perhaps, this marker sits a short distance from a church. Not sure of the age of the church, but an old map of the area would sure be helpful.

Thanks!
Red
 

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Okay, so we think it's an old highway marker?

The only thing that keeps my mind wondering are the initials carved on the stone. Hmmmm,,,,

Dig and I shall find, eh?

Thanks!
Red
 

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think so...I just knw that some states will slap those grave looking things up and they get people to thinking...and I know all about RW...right of way markers....dig it anyway!!!! Thanks! HW = HIGHWAY.....RW=RIGHT OF WAY
 

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Michelle said:
think so...I just knw that some states will slap those grave looking things up and they get people to thinking...and I know all about RW...right of way markers....dig it anyway!!!! Thanks! HW = HIGHWAY.....RW=RIGHT OF WAY
Click to expand...


i was gonna say property divider but your explaination makes more sense. if the area is wooded now,shouldnt the trees be younger right where the road ran as opposed to the sides of the road where the trees should be older? (does that make sense?).............just a thought.
 

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Ah Dag....I think you are right. Highway right of way. DAG!!!

Well, I may still dig it, atleast in that area. I don't know when the interstate went in, but it was definately quite a while ago. Presently, this area is filled with 40 foot trees so I can only imagine "when" this former road was there.

Thanks so much!
Red
 

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fleamistress said:
I have a question about a pair of worn crudish matching stones, about 3+ ft. high, side by side. No readable marks. Appear self-made--not mason made. Property mid/late 1800's just off the side of a house. Will try to get pic if possible. Lying low. Cyn
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yeah flea post a pic of them. they sound interesting.
 

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hollowpointred said:
Michelle said:
think so...I just knw that some states will slap those grave looking things up and they get people to thinking...and I know all about RW...right of way markers....dig it anyway!!!! Thanks! HW = HIGHWAY.....RW=RIGHT OF WAY
Click to expand...


i was gonna say property divider but your explaination makes more sense. if the area is wooded now,shouldnt the trees be younger right where the road ran as opposed to the sides of the road where the trees should be older? (does that make sense?).............just a thought.
Click to expand...
sometimes they will go 25ft.(I think thats what it is here) from road and then you have utility companies that will do this too...We recently hit a cable(hehe) to a utility company...only they were trespassing not us...so we know ms utility...She was peed! anyway this could have been a marker that was for a road that is or isnt there now....trees depending on how long ago things were amok there should be of a good size...if they are yuck trees they grow fast anyway,they are like a weed with bark!
 

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Thanks for everyone's help. I don't even have my MD yet, (tomorrow's mail) but I am getting so excited. I was hoping I'd found the long lost grave of Batman or something. Crap,,,just a road marker. Arg....

Red
 

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Old maps! That's exactly what I am going to do. I've tried to find some online, but at this point, it looks like I'm heading to the library. I'll keep you all posted if it turns out to be something.
 

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Being that I once worked for the FL D.O.T. as a Survey Party Chief I would say it was a Rightaway marker. Take a photos and take it to the Field Office of the Department of Transportation in your area. They will tell you what it is.
Will save you from digging. If there is an X on the top this X was set using a transit and should be dead on.
Peg Leg
 

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dont forget your local historical society for old maps. they usually have a great collection of stuff for research, including awesome photograph collections! ;)
 

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