✅ SOLVED I really need help on this one.

[jar head]

I was doing some research on old home sites in the area and found that one of the sites was currently a vacant lot. I contacted the owner and got permission to go onto his property and, while walking through, I found this thing. It looked like some vagrants used the property recently. (In the picture you can see plenty of ash in the hole) It seemed to be like an old fireplace but this thing is about 4' below grade. It looks to be dome shaped. This is located in northeastern Florida which is another reason why I'm at a loss. Can someone help me out with this one?

 

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[nhbenz]

Your area is prone to sink holes, is it not? (if this is Orange Park Florida)

 

[Markomyt1]

Old Septic tank or Cistern?

 

[jar head]

Actually, this area is pretty stable. This is the only place I've seen any sinkholes, other than the Gainesville area. There is another hole about 10' behind where I took the picture.

 

[jar head]

Old Septic tank or Cistern?

Maybe. This old home site was on some 1918 maps...

 

[longcut]

It has the shape of a cistern .... just like the ones we have here ..................

 

[jar head]

It has the shape of a cistern .... just like the ones we have here ..................

Awesome! Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Helix]

I would guess cistern or septic tank also being dome shaped. That was a common practice years ago once the were no long in use to fill them in with wood or coal ash also household trash. At least most of the ones I have seen. Might find some interesting old bottles if you dug it out. Just be careful if you do and make sure you bring a second person a long when digging just in case.

 

[surf]

Welcome aboard, jar head,

Thanks for showing us that digging opportunity. I'd be returning with shovels & scratchers, were I you. Those cisterns have a way of containing ash, and trash, and forgotten discards from long ago. I've dug three, and been rewarded with great bottles and small artifacts in each.

Good luck & keep us posted, please.

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[jar head]

Welcome aboard, jar head,

Thanks for showing us that digging opportunity. I'd be returning with shovels & scratchers, were I you. Those cisterns have a way of containing ash, and trash, and forgotten discards from long ago. I've dug three, and been rewarded with great bottles and small artifacts in each.

Good luck & keep us posted, please.

View attachment 941165​

Thank you! I will definitely hit this thing up. I'm going to take Helix's advice and bring a buddy with me. I'll let you know how it goes!