Treasure is where you find it

[qtrs-xcite-me]

Sometimes, when reading about others finds of ancient relics, gold coins, and other really old coins, I am tempted to think I must be doing something wrong. I have only been at this hobby for a few years and I will admit I tend to hunt parks and schoolyards the most because I am not good at seeking permissions and like the gratification of finding something spendable fairly frequently. Sometimes I venture to a beach or yard. I find it really interesting that all 3 of the 90% silver coins I have found were found within 3/4 mile of my home. I also find it interesting that my two oldest coins (1833 Liberty large cent and 1910 V nickel) were both found on different occasions at the same school yard of a school less than 20 years old. And my only 14K gold ring came from a city park playground. I sometimes wonder if it is worth it to try to research for "old" places to get permissions to hunt or just get out and hunt where you have access.

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

When I first started metal detecting 15 years ago all I could think about was, “Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to find where old pioneer homes were located and recover what was lost in the ground 200 years ago!" Researching exactly where these sites were located proved a real challenge at first.

Even now years later, I still find it surprising when I review old maps of my area and see just how many old one-room schoolhouses existed in close proximity. I assume this was because children were restricted to local travel back then. Within 5 miles of my house I've found 9 old school sites, yet only one of those sites still exists today, the rest are now all gone having been lost to housing development or to urban sprawl.

The simplest route to start your research to find new site is to head to the local library and ask where the town archives are located. Some towns have the archives located in the main library while others have a dedicated archives building. I suggest you start with the basics: an old town map which the archives should have a copy of. If it's anything like the ones I received, it will contain the original locations of churches and schools. Along with these sites, you should ask about places of gathering such as campgrounds or fairgrounds, old factories or mills, old garbage dumpsites.

For example: activities related to Indian/militia skirmishes, the War of 1812, the 1837 Rebellion in my area, original colonial settlements, land clearing and even fence building can be located with research. It's a good idea while researching urban parks to detect, to have a specific reason for going to any site. Although, I frequently think about locating Indian artifacts as well. Native metal was traded around my part of the country and was commonly used for jewellery and other decoration.

You can find a lot of good info at your local archives, just be very polite and respectful with the archivist and he just might start you on your way to good finds. Just go in and lay it straight out, I tell them what kind of stuff you're looking for is what I do, secrecy just hampers good open communication.

I like to say... If nothing happened there, then there will be nothing to find!

Best of luck to you,
Dave