Nine Metal Detecting Sites
“Where can I go to find more old coins and jewelry?”
That question is asked on detecting forums, during club meetings, and even while people are metal detecting together.
I have so many new places to metal detect that I have not had the time to get to all of them.
My research of new detecting sites is an ongoing pursuit. I have a large database of places to search, and I am always adding more.
I’ve said this many times, the key to locating good metal-detecting sites is research.
You have to spend time doing the research. The problem with that is most people are lazy.
Let’s face it.
Would we rather be detecting/treasure hunting, or researching?
I am no different. I used to put off researching. However, fortunately, now I can afford to lay aside research unless a new treasure story presents itself. That’s because I have a bank full of (not money) metal-detecting sites waiting for me.
So how do I find all of these places to detect?
I read old and new history books. I visit historical societies, libraries, and even the archives, and I ask lots of questions.
I talk to the older people who live in the areas I want to research.
I ask them questions like these:
Where were the swimming holes when you were younger? Where did you play? Do you know of any old ball fields or parks? Where did you and your family picnic? Did you hunt? If so, do you remember seeing any cellar holes while doing so?
Asking the above questions has helped me to find many metal-detecting sites that others have missed.
Try it, don’t be shy. Many of the old-timers love to talk about their past.
Here is a list of nine metal-detecting sites that have proven to be rewarding.
Old Schools
If you haven’t tried metal detecting around the old one-room schools from the 1800s and early 1900s, then you are missing lots of fun.
Many of these old schools are no longer standing, so you need to search for clues of where the old schools once stood.
Look for old, broken, pieces of pottery lying on the ground, old bottles, and of course, the old ink wells that were often used. Most of these items were just tossed away.
The old schools are difficult to find but that doesn’t mean you can’t locate them.
Try using an old topographical map to locate them.
Old Churches
The old churches were often used as meeting places for picnics and social gatherings, as well as for church services.
Like the old schools, many of the old churches are gone. However, if you put the effort into researching where they once stood, you’ll be rewarded with many great finds. And again, use an old topo to locate them.
Old Swimming Holes
If you locate an old picnic grove, then you may also have an old swimming hole nearby.
Similarly, if you locate an old swimming hole, that means an old picnic grove could be close by. The two go hand in hand.
Years ago families, friends, and church groups got together to picnic and swim, and many of the old picnic groves had a stream or creek nearby.
Revival Meetings
Many towns held revival meetings. If you can locate where those areas are, you will have a great time finding old coins and jewelry.
A friend found more than two-thousand silver crosses in an old Revival Meeting area.
Boy Scout Camps
I have found hundreds of old coins, old boy scout knives, buttons, and more at various Boy Scout camps.
At one camp, in particular, I found more than one hundred Mercury dimes.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to locate the Boy Scout camps that were in existence a hundred years ago or longer.
Old Horse Racetracks
Another fellow I know concentrates on locating the old horse racetracks from one hundred fifty years ago.
He puts a lot of time and effort into searching for these tracks, but it pays off because he has found many Seated and Barber coins.
Fire Towers
Do you live in an area near fire towers?
When we were kids we used to climb the fire towers and when we got to the top, we would throw coins down onto the ground below. Just think of how many others threw coins from those towers.
Old Fort Sites
If you research old forts from the French & Indian and Revolutionary Wars you can have a grand time metal detecting around those areas.
I have detected some old forts that are now on farmlands and found old British Copper coins, uniform buttons, knives, buckles, musket balls, and more.
Battle Grounds
Don’t forget the old battlegrounds from those wars mentioned above.
Again, you need to do some research to locate where the battles were fought, but that research can pay off with great finds time and time again.
My metal detecting/treasure hunting TV series, “Exploring History’s Treasures” EHT, was the first REAL, reality, show of its kind. There was no scripting, no planting or salting the ground with finds before we dug them. Exploring History’s Treasures can now be viewed here.
“Hi Frank... watched Your series today and loved it! One thing though... What the heck did John find towards the end in episode 5 ?????
Your series was very entertaining as You really have to watch closely to appreciate its value in the knowledge the series represents & the counless hours it takes to learn & investigate the subject matter as the history just does not present itself out of thin air. It is VERY important that people know of the early settlers,who they were,the hardships of the time & who made the country what is today / The early Pioneers/settlers.
This series is of interest to Young and old alike as very few take the time to do what You do and that is to document and tell the story of our past history
Its a shame that more television stations do not air such fine work as You did regarding this series! This is the high season for "Reality Shows" and what better than the reality show: Exploring History's Treasures" a show that is entertaining and educational.”
Happy Hunting! Dan,Buffalo,NewYork”
”Frank, I would like to watch your show. We live in Sioux Falls, SD. I have a 5 year old son who also enjoyed watching the shows. What we enjoyed the most was seeing what was dug up. I also enjoyed the hints of how to locate ghost towns and buildings. I'm hooked!” Thanks” Rick SD”
“Frank,
I'm new to metal detecting and have been reading and watching everything I can get my hands on. This was one of the best educational DVDs on how to research productive search areas from the past that I have come a cross. In episode two you really touched on how to use old survey maps to find untouched sites. There is nothing on my local cable channels that supplies this type of information and I would love to be able to see your further adventures and hopefully pick up some additional helpful hints.
Thanks again and best luck with your series. I hope to see you in the field someday.
John, NJ”
“To everyone at exploring histories treasures,
I don’t remember giving a testimonial for anything I ‘ve purchased. Everyt’ng we buy today is jk. I find better junk in the ground when metal detecting, lol. But this time I’m breaking my rule by sending you this email. You fellas have a “WINNER”. I purchased the ghost towns in the east Dvd from ebay and I’ve watched it twice in two days. How ‘d ya ever come up with this idea? Never mind, I’m glad ya did! I have to buy all the series. You’ve hooked me. I’ll probably call my local cable station and tell’em they better get your series on Tv or I’m not pay’en for any more of their lousy service. If you boys are ever near Tucson please call me. I’d love to hang with you and detect.” My hats off to yu!
Spencer C, Tucson, AZ”