Third Times the Charm for Finding Fort site.

JackInFlorida

Sr. Member
Feb 28, 2007
463
59
Leesburg, FL
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Fisher F75 - Whites PI Pro, Excal 1000
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

I've been doing some research on and off about an old Military Fort that was supposed to be close to my house. I went out to the area with my kids several weeks ago and wandered around. We found a clearing a little over a half mile from the road, didn’t see any diggings like some of the information I had read (From previous relic hunters). The only information I found was that I as probably going to need a machete to get into the wooded area.

I visited again with just my daughter armed with new information that the fort was about 1000 feet South of where I had been earlier. We traipsed through the woods, having to zig zag to avoid the HUGE crab spider webs between trees. We did find a likely looking place, complete with a small ravine and, of course, a pile of tires.

After studying all the maps I had, along with topo maps and maps of old dirt roads, I found that the information I had received from a book was wrong, the fort was actually about 500 feet North of my first stop. I went there today and cut through the woods to try and find the spot. The site does have some areas dug up, but it has been harvested for pine trees and replanted, maybe multiple times. Took me almost an hour to find it.

I got some signals and dug up a few rusted pieces of metal. I then got a huge signal and found this piece of iron pictured below (It is posted in What’ This? As well) By then, I was getting attacked by flies and getting pretty sweaty. I knew it was only a matter of time before the black biting flies found me. I took a look at my compass and made a bee line for the road, to see where I came out, so I would have a shorter return trip. Once I could see the road, I found a path that led through the brush, but there was a giant crab spider with a web right across the path. These spiders are so big that it makes me nervous to even be close to them. I walked up about 20 yards and found another cut through that brought me out next to the road. I found two landmarks that will get me back in at approximately the same location for when I go back. Maybe next weekend!

Here is the fort site, not much to look at I'm afraid:
 

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Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

now that's what I call a real pet
 

Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

In doing more research on the area where the Fort is, I was able to find the government division that actually manages the land.

I called the office and a kindly woman answered, so I told her I was interested in doing some Archeological work at a site with resides on some land they manage.

She yells: "Archeology? You mean digging?!"

I said, yes, she replied: "Digging is not one of the approved activities!"

I explained that there had been some Archeology done at the site back in the 80's and I would like to find out if I could do some further work there. She then softened up a little and patched me through to another person. The voice message said that she usually returns calls in two working days.

I hope to find out this week. I am interested in the site enough to pursue permitting or whatever. I'll keep this up to date on what I find out.

Jack
 

Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

Great research and information on the fort, but you can have the spider crabs, and other critters you have down their in Florida. I will stick to the critters I have here in Arizona (snakes, gila monsters, black widow spiders, and scorpions) and Washington (snakes) thank you.

Keep us informed on your venture with the system.

49er
 

Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

stevemc said:
We have called them banana spiders all my life, but they are Golden Web spiders. TheY get about 6" wide. They do bite, its like a wasp sting. Jack, great research! I hope you find something worth your while!
Yes. banana spider.jpgbanana spider.jpg

What fort did you locate? Many forts were built during the three Seminole Wars, used a short period, abandoned and locations lost or forgotten.
 

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Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

Great pics of the spider bigcypresshunter. I couldn't do better at the site, not getting that close thanks.

The fort is a Second Seminole war fort, occupied for a short time by military, and theorized to be manned by volunteer militia for a while.

Jack
 

Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

JackInFlorida said:
Great pics of the spider bigcypresshunter. I couldn't do better at the site, not getting that close thanks.

The fort is a Second Seminole war fort, occupied for a short time by military, and theorized to be manned by volunteer militia for a while.

Jack
Those are not my spider pics- they are from internet. ;D

I was just wondering WHICH Seminole War fort you located. There are so many and they are being found every year. I used to have a complete list but the link is no longer online. :(
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,96612.0.html
 

Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

Congrats! I'm looking forward to seeing your finds. I can relate to your experience -- I recently located an old archaeology site in some pretty thick (but relatively spiderless) woods after some hard searching. Finding it is a great thrill. Enjoy it!

I also strongly agree with Trixster that you should pick up a portable handheld GPS. You can probably get one for $100 bucks or so on eBay and it's so worth it. I think every detectorist should have one, even for just the peace of mind, but the ability to mark locations and easily return to them is a great help. Just plan on going through lots of AA batteries...

Keep the pics coming!

Cheers and HH,
Bman
 

Re: Third Time's the Charm for Finding Fort site.

bigcypresshunter said:
JackInFlorida said:
Great pics of the spider bigcypresshunter. I couldn't do better at the site, not getting that close thanks.

The fort is a Second Seminole war fort, occupied for a short time by military, and theorized to be manned by volunteer militia for a while.

Jack
Those are not my spider pics- they are from internet. ;D

I was just wondering WHICH Seminole War fort you located. There are so many and they are being found every year. I used to have a complete list but the link is no longer online. :(
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,96612.0.html
Thanks for the links BigC,especially the google book. Jack- good luck on acquiring permission to hunt the fort site, I think your gonna need it. You know how the Gov. is, state and Fed.
 

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