1776 Homestead + 2 Other Early American Homesteads = 2006 Farm Field

[zoyboy]

Ever since I bought my first detector last May, I have always had the passion to find "old" coins, and in order to find them, I knew that I had to conduct extensive research. So, after finding many later American coins such as Mercury dimes, Rosies, and Wheats, Keith and I decided to "step our game up." Just about one year later, we decided to center our detecting goals on finding some spanish silver, early American silver, post-colonial coins, etc. This leads me to present to you guys our newest research project. The atlas map that we have attached is from 1873, and the aerial photo is from a recent time period. As one can see, there are three homesteads in 1873 that are situated along the river; JV Crane's was built in 1776, and the other two were erected sometime after that. The aerial photo depicts these former homesteads as one large farm field; in the photo, I circled where we believe the homesteads once stood. We are going to seek permission to metal detect after the end of their farming season. If we are granted permission, what words of advice could you guys offer to locate the productive spots? Lastly, could you name a few of your finds from detecting a farm field?

[rip]

hey zoyboy,Hope you find some good stuff there ! 2 of my favorite sites are farm fields One was the site of a training grounds for the local militia for the war of 1812.The other is an old baseball field from the early 1900's and also good for indian artifacts.I ve posted these on the site.One problem with farmfields though is the chemicals they spread tends to deteriorate things.I have a chicken colonel button my dad found 20 years ago and several that i found recently and theres a big difference in there condition.Some i found in the woods bordering the field and these are in much better condition.Look for broken bricks,glass etc. depressions also flowerbeds Perrywinkel was a popular ground cover in the age before lawnmowers and people often planted iris and lillys around the outhouse.Good luck ! HH...Terry

[Nighthunter]

Farm fields and old..old...sites are my favorite and just about the only thing I hunt anymore.

Words of avice....Do a walk over the field and look for broken bricks, flagstone, pottery, etc.

The area around the concentration of these items will most probably be the most productive. The area in front of the house will most likely be the most productive. I'd think the houses would face the river but that's only an assumption.

Also..carry a small D handled shovel....on that is about 2 1/2 feet long. Light, easy to carry and easy to use.

There aren't any 1700s era sites in my area. I usually find barber coins, indian heads and an occasional piece of jewelry.

Good luck and let us know how you do!