Old home site on 16TH SECTION LAND

Foster

Full Member
Jan 19, 2011
191
130
Columbus, ms
Detector(s) used
White's Prism III, White's TRX Bullseye
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Hey everybody! I need some ideas on how to research on what once stood on some 16th section land property. 16th section land was set aside by the government for schools. It is leased by the land owner. The site in which I have been metal detecting turns up finds dating from the early to mid 1800's. The only records that I have found were payments for the whole 16th section by everyone, and not a specific location. The house that once stood there was massive due to myself quad ranting the site. An old well opened back up also this past summer, and when the water table was low enough, you could see the bricks lining the walls. It is a prime site that I have been digging on and off for 18 years. I really want to know what was there. Know for sure it burned down, due to the char layer in the ground. It once stood in which is now a 300 acre cattle farm. If anyone has any ideas on how to figure out what it once was, it would be greatly appreciated.
 

Foster ~

I'm not familiar with "16th section land" or the history but your state has a link to it:

http://www.sos.ms.gov/public_lands_16th_section_lands.aspx

Try the link listed on this thread :

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,386161.0.html (the second one I posted)

That will take you to Sanborn Maps. There are maps for Columbus, MS from 1885-1948 at that site. Hopefully, it may help you in your search ...

You can also try your local library or your county tax assessor's office for any relevant map, etc. research.
 

Kenosha Kid said:
Foster ~

I'm not familiar with "16th section land" or the history but your state has a link to it:

http://www.sos.ms.gov/public_lands_16th_section_lands.aspx

Try the link listed on this thread :

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,386161.0.html (the second one I posted)

That will take you to Sanborn Maps. There are maps for Columbus, MS from 1885-1948 at that site. Hopefully, it may help you in your search ...

You can also try your local library or your county tax assessor's office for any relevant map, etc. research.

Thanks! The library archives did not have anything from that era that was helpful. My Great Uncle was born and raised in the area, and he never remembered anything standing there. He was born in the early 1930's. The coins I have found date 1847 and 1855.
 

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