Treasure maps, historical research, and metal detectors ... by wdrob

[CSJournals-migration]

Recently I had mentioned that I was buying a metal detector and maybe I could get lucky and find some Georgia Gold, or anything numismatic related. Surprisingly my metal detector arrived earlier than I had anticipated.

 

I have spent the entire night researching my county history, as well as the history of my particular area in the county that I live. I have found maps dated far back, and one in particular, dated 1884, that looks very promising. I also uncovered some very interesting information from cemetery records such as the following which is right in my neck of the woods:

 

"I counted 45 unmarked graves of the slaves. The cemetery is on the

land of C. L. Bond. He lives in the house that Joab Collins built in

1886. Joab was the son of Elba [Elbe?] Collins. According to Mr. Bond,

he knew Joab, Collins, Jr. He said he was a deaf mute and very big and

strong. Joab, Jr. was always looking for his fathers money that he

believed to be hidden somewhere on the vast property. It was said that

Joab, Sr. had withdrawn all of his money from the bank and no one knew

what he did with it. He died without revealing the whereabouts of his

money.

 

Joab, Sr. rented out his land to share cropers. He had a store on the

road in front of his house from which he sold goods on credit to the

share cropers and settled up with them when the crops came in."

 

Very interesting and very close to my property. Of course this is more of a pipe dream than anything even close to promising. However, just the thought of my property being where someone decided to bury their cache is very exciting and I am now awaiting sunrise to hit the woods.

 

I know just where I am going to focus my attention as well. I do not own very much acreage, however the majority of it is all wooded. There is one particular oak tree that is very, very old. I have always been attracted to that tree since it is so unique amongst all the other various hardwoods and sparse pines. I figure that this tree maybe a good choice for a marker if someone were to want to bury their treasure.

 

So in a few hours I will be heading out for my first try at working this overly complicated gadget and see what I can come up with. It is doubtful I will find much more than a few bullets from hunters and possibly some old military relics. But it is worth a try as far as I am concerned. If I found a mercury dime I would be excited. If I found a 16 star Bust Half I would go crazy. If I find a Templeton Reid gold coin .... well, I may just have a heart attack!

 

I will follow up and also describe how I am using Google Earth to find possible sites to search. They are on private property but if I can get the permission to hit some of these old home sites dated back to 1850's then I might come up with a few good finds.

 

See more journals by wdrob

[sparky1x-migration]

Just read your post and wish I lived next store to you! I'd go with you and carry all of your booty you find. A TREASURE HUNT! When we lived in Mississippi we didn't have metal detectors back in the 50s. We did find old rotted muskets, buttons, bullets and other civil war items. We lived right next to the Vicksburg Battle fields which is now a park.

Go with a positive outlook and you will do great.

Good luck and good hunting!

[Jack Robinson]

Nice old map you posted. When you find your pot of gold just remember that I am one of your newly rediscovered " OLD lost cousins."

 

I have used my metal detector in my work dealing with old cemeteries. You WILL find some interesting items. Keep us updated.

 

That old tree is a great spot to start.

 

 

[wdrob]

 

Well nothing but an old nail this time.

 

Had a great time and I think I learned how to use this contraption so next trip out I will be better prepared, I had forgotten to take my arthritis/tendinitis medicine and my shoulders were giving out quickly. My dogs were having a ball out there running around in the woods while I was occasionally digging around. I am sure they think I have went totally mad!

 

Sadly our trip was cut short because the neighbor decided to do some target practicing with high powered deer rifles. I have never liked the sound of incoming.

 

I will wait for my youngest Daughter to be available next time. She was the one that initially had the desire to go on a 'treasure hunt'. She will soon be heading off to college and I am certain that will limit our quality time together.

 

Yes. Hopefully in the future I can actually find something that will be numismatic in nature and exciting to share. I will definitely post any good finds.

 

 

[bsshog40]

I will be very interested in how you found the old map. I never can, only links to have to pay for them. I get tired of hunting playgrounds and parks.

[wdrob]

Bobby,

Give this link a try. I am trying to back trace my steps and I think this will put you in the ball park.

 

What I looked up cost nothing. I hope it is the same for you on your state since it is all volunteer.

 

Here Is The Link

[bsshog40]

Bobby,

Give this link a try. I am trying to back trace my steps and I think this will put you in the ball park.

 

What I looked up cost nothing. I hope it is the same for you on your state since it is all volunteer.

 

Here Is The Link

Cool link. I did a quick search in the texas side and it showed where an old calvary cemetery location was. I'll have to sit down with this and check it out. Thanks for the link my friend!!!

[wdrob]

Sure thing. Now that I have found the front door (the link I sent you) I am also finding other very useful historical data. Some of this stuff is really entertaining to read.

 

 

Oh - and to save others some time if they run into the units of measurement on that 1884 map I found, the following might be helpful:

 

80 chains = 1600 meters or 1 mile

1 chain = 4 rods

1 rod = 16.5' or 5.5 yards (also referred to as 'porch')