How to do research?

[kimonswanson643]

I am new to this hobby and I have had some luck already by just guessing but i would like to know how to research sites. I need som help thanks also how would you research a civil war campsite?

 

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[fongu]

I recently asked for help on another site for detecting and they provided me quite a bit of help that I was already familiar with. What I have a hard time doing is navigating on the computer some of the historical archives. If you are more knowledgeable on computers this won't be a problem with you. I would advise to check local sources for your county and town at the library.
Talk to older people about places they used to frequent that are no longer around. I mean the buildings may be gone, but the ground is still there. I checked out a book from the library about a county about 40 miles from here and one thing in the book stood out to me. It had been developed tho and I haven't been able to get permission to detect the part that isn't developed. My instinct tells me this place is a gold mine and at the risk of being considered pushy, I intend to contact them again. I used email the first contact, but will send a nice letter explaining exactly what I do and hope and pray they will let me detect this site. Ask about old swimming holes and places people used to gather. There used to be a civil war reunion at our church in the early 1900's, but it's a cemetery now and off limits. As a newbie, always ask permission to detect on private property and fill in your holes. Stay out of cemeteries. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

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[Old Dude]

Apparently I did NOT read the OP's post as SOME did, because I didn't think they wanted to be led by the hand and shown where to dig. I thought they were asking advice from friendly and helpful members for general tips. I must be one of the stupid ones since that was my interpretation of the post. I have already seen how some of the "old timers" on this forum are not very receptive toward new members. I have made "attaboy" posts on threads they have started, but always somehow get overlooked when it comes to being thanked for my reply to their threads. I know I am new to the hobby and my thoughts don't deserve notice from such worldly and successful members, but taking time to acknowledge THEIR finds should at least be appreciated, shouldn't it?
I would think that years and years of knowledge and experience should guarantee results over a new member armed with nothing more than the desire to learn and tips gleaned from a fellow hobbyist.

 

[releventchair]

Just a request by the o.p. of how to conduct research. No asking for an x on a map. I,ll get by without thanks till a p.m. will ask for an address to share the big find.
I was new and folks shared info so the same from me is fair play. Proper etiquette will get a new recruit farther yes.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

I'd be glad to help out someone just getting started. I'm not so much into CW relics, but have done a ton of research on colonial sites here in SE Virginia. Many of the same techniques I use can be applied to just about any type of hunting. As a matter of fact, I just had an article published in one of the detecting magazines which describes in detail some of the more innovative research techniques I use to find the early sites in my area. If you're interested please PM me and we can get into this further offline. In the meantime, just put in the hours on the web and you'll be surprised what you can find out there. Good luck!

 

[Bryan6059]

a huge advantage i had and still have in only 4 years of detecting is the great wide world of the internet! more specifically, google maps overview and street view. i would look up spots that could physically be detected, then would work on specific info on the place(usually by asking people i know or more googlin) behind the spot, then if something interesting was found about the place, I would then take last step and gain permission to have a go at it. it can be a long and tiring process to research a spot, but one can be handsomely rewarded (as if you couldnt already tell by looking at some of the amazing stuff found all the other members on here

 

[Ahab8]

One little tip that may be helpful is a basic understanding of what type of site the very early settlers needed. They needed access to the waterways. They preferred nice fertile flatter areas for their crops. The also like to be on ridges or some sort of higher ground. These rules didn't always apply as I have found a couple early sites on lower lying land but they were always close to a waterway for sure. Lots of great map sites out there but for me reading local history books is awesome. Land patent info and geneaology sites are all helpful. I'm new too and I wish you all the best. People should be willing to help new members out in some way. No one expects someone to give them a map depicting there great sites. A few tips doesn't hurt anyone. We should try to be a bit more welcoming as we were all new at one point.

 

[diggervet]

Ditto!

Ok I know your a Gold member and have posted a lot, but why on earth would you say something basically calling a new member stupid? All he was asking for was some tips on doing research. Most people come here not only to view amazing new finds, but also to maybe pick up a few tips to help them better their detecting experience. Maybe instead of posting "the stupid", you she feel honored that people come here to ask for help from members like yourself that have years of valuable experience to share!

 

[Tin Foil]

I am new to this hobby and I have had some luck already by just guessing but i would like to know how to research sites. I need som help thanks also how would you research a civil war campsite?

Welcome to Tnet! I echo the others a advice: old plat maps, satellite images, local historical society websites/publications, common sense, journals... In addition, I frequently get great tips from property owners themselves. When I've found a potential site that's privately owned I will politely knock, explain that I'm "Tin Foil" and I enjoy metal detecting for old pennies and dimes. I go on to explain any interesting facts regarding their properties. Sometimes the owners are grateful to hear about the property, but approx half the time they will go on to tell me additional info about their property. For example, see my "Reale counterfeit 1842" post--the owner told me about a former early 1800s schoolhouse that wasn't on any map. Good luck!

Ome more thing, people will tell you a site is hunted out/dead/ect. Smile at this advice and then go find out for yourself! And post your finds on T net.

 

[CASPER-2]

TRY AND PICK UP A COPY OF THIS BOOK

 

[ModernMiner]

Apparently I did NOT read the OP's post as SOME did, because I didn't think they wanted to be led by the hand and shown where to dig. I thought they were asking advice from friendly and helpful members for general tips. I must be one of the stupid ones since that was my interpretation of the post. I have already seen how some of the "old timers" on this forum are not very receptive toward new members. I have made "attaboy" posts on threads they have started, but always somehow get overlooked when it comes to being thanked for my reply to their threads. I know I am new to the hobby and my thoughts don't deserve notice from such worldly and successful members, but taking time to acknowledge THEIR finds should at least be appreciated, shouldn't it?
I would think that years and years of knowledge and experience should guarantee results over a new member armed with nothing more than the desire to learn and tips gleaned from a fellow hobbyist.

Not sure if I'm an old timer OD, but I love ya buddy!!! Keep posting and I'll keep on replying.
-DUHg-