Metal detecting is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey into the past, an exploration of local history and geography, and a pursuit of what was once lost. For many of us, the thrill of unearthing a relic or coin that hasn’t seen the light of day for decades, if not centuries, is unparalleled.
The Role of Research in Metal Detecting
The success of our efforts often hinges on the preparation and research done before the metal detector comes out of storage. Understanding the history and geography of a location can significantly increase the chances of finding valuable or historically significant items. It also ensures that detectorists respect property rights, avoid trespassing, and approach their hunt with a properly informed perspective.
The research you do prior to your trip will increase your chances of success and deepen your connection to the land and its stories. Below, we will dive into the various methods and resources available for researching potential metal detecting sites. From the archives of local history to the lost details of old maps, from topographical charts to the modern conveniences of Google Maps, we will touch on how each tool can be harnessed to guide and enhance our metal detecting expeditions.
Why Understanding Local History Matters
Local history serves as a window into the past, offering insights into how communities evolved, where people congregated, and what activities they engaged in. For metal detecting enthusiasts, this knowledge is invaluable.
Identifying Historically Significant Areas
By understanding the events and activities that took place in a region, one can pinpoint areas where significant artifacts might be buried. For instance, sites of former markets, fairgrounds, trading posts, army camps, or homesteads can produce a wide array of potential finds.
Predicting Types of Artifacts
A grasp of local history can also guide expectations about the kinds of items one might discover. A former military encampment, for example, might yield buttons or badges, while an old homestead could offer up personal items like jewelry or coins.
Online Resources for Researching Local History
In the digital age, a wealth of historical information is just a few clicks away. Here are some easily accessible online resources to dive into local history:
Local Libraries and Archives
Many local libraries have digitized collections of old photographs, documents, and newspapers. These can provide firsthand accounts of events, places, and people from the past. Websites like the Digital Public Library of America can be a starting point.
Online Databases and Historical Societies
Websites such as Ancestry.com or FindAGrave can offer clues about historical figures and families from a particular area. Additionally, many towns and regions have historical societies with online archives that detail significant events, places, and timelines. Try looking for historical societies dedicated to your region’s specific state, county, and city.
Historical Maps Online
Sites like the David Rumsey Map Collection offer a vast array of old maps that can show how a location has changed over time, highlighting areas that were once populated but might now be forgotten. This is one of my favorite resources for finding hidden gems since maps can change significantly over time, leaving plenty of locations unnoticed.
Tips for Interpreting Online Historical Resources
Cross-Reference Information
When using online sources, it’s beneficial to cross-reference facts to ensure accuracy. Different sources can provide varying perspectives or additional details about a particular event or location. While accuracy can also be ensured, building a story from multiple sources allows you to fill in the gaps left by each resource, increasing your chance of finding locations others haven’t identified.
Use Filters and Keywords Effectively
When searching databases or archives, using specific keywords or filters related to the time period, event, or type of artifact you’re interested in can yield more targeted results. This takes a little bit of trial-and-error to excel at, but once you play around with the online resources a little it starts to get easier. On some of the old map resources, you can occasionally get new results by searching for county names especially county names that have since changed over the past 200 years.
Engage with Online Communities
For our less introverted friends out there, joining forums or social media groups dedicated to local history or metal detecting can provide access to shared knowledge, tips, and firsthand accounts that might not be available in formal archives.
My personal go-to resource is Reddit.com, where you can easily find communities based on cities and states. Often leading me to local history discussions that provide the breadcrumb trail to a piece of new information.
By harnessing the power of online resources and understanding the significance of local history, metal detecting enthusiasts can approach their expeditions with a well-informed strategy, increasing their chances of unearthing meaningful finds.
Utilizing Old Maps for Metal Detecting Research
Maps, especially older ones, are more than just navigational tools. They are visual records of time, capturing the evolution of landscapes, settlements, and transportation routes. For metal detecting enthusiasts, old maps are a goldmine of information, revealing locations that have long been forgotten or transformed.
Old Maps Can Provide Unique Insights
Show Changes in Land Use Over Time
As towns expand, landscapes change, and certain areas fall into disuse, old maps can provide a snapshot of what a place looked like in a specific era. This can help identify locations that were once bustling with activity but are now quiet or overgrown.
Highlight Previously Populated Areas
Old settlements, farms, mills, or even entertainment venues like dance halls that no longer exist can be pinpointed using historical maps. These are often prime spots for metal detecting. Some old homestead foundations are no longer visible on-site but might be traceable through these windows in time.
Trace Historical Transportation Routes
Old roads, pathways, and even railways that have since been abandoned or rerouted can be discerned from old maps. Such routes were frequently traveled, making them potential sites for lost or discarded items. They also often pass through various properties, making it less likely to be completely covered by past metal detectorists.
Additional Resources for Locating Old Maps in the United States
The digital age has made accessing old maps easier than ever. Here are some top resources:
Library of Congress Map Collection
The Library of Congress Maps Collection boasts an extensive online collection of maps, including those from various periods in U.S. history. It’s a comprehensive resource for both general and detailed maps.
State and Local Historical Societies
Many state and local historical societies have digitized their map collections, making them accessible to the public. These maps often provide more localized details that broader national maps might miss. You should be able to locate your location historical societies through Google or a state government-hosted resource.
David Rumsey Map Collection
The David Rumsey Map Collection is one of the largest online map repositories, with a vast array of maps from different time periods and regions. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy searching and viewing.
Tips for Interpreting Old Maps
Understand Map Symbols
Familiarize yourself with common symbols used in old maps, such as those for buildings, roads, waterways, and other landmarks. This will help in accurately interpreting the map’s information. Most maps will feature a key, but some older maps operate under a set of basic symbols that won’t be denoted on the map itself.
You should also keep in mind that different map types will have different types of markers. A topographical map for instance will have a completely different set of symbols compared to a thematic map.
Compare with Modern Maps
Overlaying or comparing an old map with a current one can help identify areas of interest. Tools like Google Earth allow users to overlay historical maps onto modern satellite images, providing a direct comparison of how areas have evolved.
Check for Annotations and Notes in the Margin of Maps
Sometimes, mapmakers or users would jot down notes or make annotations on maps. These can provide additional insights or context about specific locations or features.
When you’re searching for something literally buried in the ground, your journey should be as much about understanding the lay of the land as it is about what you’ll find within it. Both topographical maps and modern mapping tools play pivotal roles in this, offering a detailed view of the terrain’s history and its current state. By harnessing these tools, we can navigate our locations with confidence, increasing our chances of uncovering those lost stories.
What Should We Be Using Topographical Maps For?
Topographical maps, provide a detailed representation of an area’s physical features. This enables you to clearly see features that would otherwise be covered by trees or other natural obstructions. A few of the important features to keep an eye out for are:
Contours and Elevation
At their core, topo maps use contour lines to depict elevation, allowing users to discern hills, valleys, and other terrain features. These insights can pinpoint areas of historical significance or frequent human activity. If you spot a terrace or flat area amongst the hills, there’s a better chance it would have been used as a camp or homesite.
Water Bodies and Drainage Patterns
Rivers, streams, and lakes have always been focal points of human activity. Topographical maps clearly detail these water bodies, guiding us to potential hotspots. Some of my best locations were uncovered next to an old, dried-out small stream that I could have only identified with an old topographical map.
Man-made Structures
While they emphasize natural features, topo maps can also indicate bridges, roads, and other structures, providing clues about past human settlements and activities.
Harnessing Modern Mapping with Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the better map tools and one of the easiest-to-use interfaces. This is pretty much always the first place I visit when I start to review maps. Below is a quick summary of the primary ways I use it:
Satellite View
This high-resolution imagery allows for the identification of old paths, potential foundations, or clearings that might be obscured at ground level.
Street View
Offering a 360-degree perspective, this feature helps users gauge accessibility, spot landmarks, and plan their route before setting foot on a site.
Historical Imagery
In select areas, Google Maps provides a timeline of satellite images, revealing how a location has evolved and highlighting spots that might have become overgrown in the past few decades. You will be surprised just how fast an area can become overtaken by trees if left unattended. If an old crop field has been decommissioned, the previously tilled soil might still hold a few treasures that are now hidden in the trees.
Techniques for Analyzing and Comparing Maps
Both old and modern maps can be analyzed in tandem for a better understanding of a location.
Overlay and Compare
Tools like Google Earth allow users to overlay historical maps on modern satellite images, spotlighting areas that have undergone significant changes.
Spotting Anomalies
Modern maps can highlight irregularities in the landscape, such as unusual clearing patterns or circular formations, suggesting past human activity.
Elevation Insights
Some mapping platforms offer 3D perspectives of the terrain, aiding in the identification of natural gathering spots or vantage points.
Incorporating a blend of historical maps, topographical insights, and modern mapping tools equips metal detecting enthusiasts with a more thorough understanding of a location’s overall potential. It will also help you optimize your time to better know where you should spend your time looking while there.
Online Topographic Map Resource
National Geologic Maps Database
The National Geographic Map Database is a free-to-use resource provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This is one of my favorite resources I spend too much time going through while planning for both metal detecting and hiking trips. As noted, the database is focused on geologic maps but it also includes notes on events like landslides and earthquakes.
Understanding Property Lines and Rights
Navigating the legal landscape is as crucial as understanding the physical terrain when it comes to metal detecting. Respecting property lines and rights ensures that we can pursue our passion without infringing on the rights of others, avoiding potential legal complications and fostering positive relationships with landowners.
The Importance of Respecting Private Property
Avoiding Trespassing
Metal detecting without permission on private property is not only disrespectful but also illegal. Trespassing can lead to fines, confiscation of finds, or even arrest.
Building Trust with Landowners
Seeking permission and showing respect can lead to long-term relationships with property owners, potentially opening up more opportunities for exploration in the future. The better you prepare yourself for any potential property line challenges, the better. With a little effort, you can often display enough good faith to overcome frustrations and communicate your respect for their property.
Preserving the Reputation of the Hobby
Respecting property rights and boundaries contributes to a positive image of metal detecting as a hobby, ensuring that it remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone. While it might seem like you’re independently operating under your own umbrella, our actions inevitably impact how others frame the metal detecting community as a whole.
Online Resources for Property Line Information
It doesn’t have to be a headache to get some basic information about property rights. Luckily we can leverage the same tools real estate developers often use when reviewing properties.
Dedicated Land Ownership Apps and Websites
Often my primary resource for this type of data, platforms like OnX Hunt, LandGlide, or AcreValue offer detailed property boundary information, often with overlays on topographical or satellite maps, making them particularly useful for metal detecting enthusiasts. One of the more frustrating issues with public resources is the old technology it’s built on making it difficult to use. Commercial platforms like these have the budgets to resolve those user interface issues and also provide access to potential resources like land owner contact details.
County Assessor Websites
Most counties have online databases that provide details about property ownership, boundaries, and historical data. These can be a good initial reference if they are available. The software options above will likely be much easier to navigate though.
Local Government GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Portals
Some local governments offer GIS portals that provide detailed maps, including property boundaries, zoning information, and more. Linked Here is a list of global Geoportals I have bookmarked from the University of Texas. I generally stick to the applications mentioned in the section above, since most local governments simply don’t have the budget to provide this type of platform.
Onsite Analysis Using Land References and Features
Once the preliminary research is done and a location is chosen, we need to be able to translate that information for use onsite. Being onsite brings its own set of challenges and the ability to read the land, understand its features, and use them as references can greatly enhance the metal detecting experience.
Using Physical Landmarks for Orientation
Physical landmarks, both natural and man-made, serve as crucial reference points when navigating a site. Whether it’s within your location’s property line, or a large feature like a noticeable boulder or rock pile, identifying a few on maps will help you translate your knowledge to something you easily reference onsite.
Trees and Vegetation
Old trees, unique vegetation patterns, or even stumps can be used as markers to orient oneself and mark areas of interest. This is often how I orientate myself when I’m metal detecting farm fields. The corners of tree lines or distinct patches of trees are easy to spot of reference.
Stone Formations
Rock walls, boulders, or unique stone patterns can indicate past human activity or serve as natural markers for navigation. If you’re in New England you’ll likely run into old stone walls that used to proliferate the landscape over the past two centuries. If you find a large, isolated cluster of stones and boulders it could signify the area was recently cleared for farming or prolonged habitation.
Man-made Structures
Often the easiest to identify, old structures like a foundation stone, a well, or a chimney base, can be pivotal in understanding the historical significance of an area. They also make for easy to refer to points of interest for orientering.
Leveraging Modern Technology Onsite
While traditional observation is invaluable, modern technology can further aid onsite analysis and record keeping.
GPS Devices
These can help in marking points of interest, tracking explored areas, and ensuring one doesn’t tread on private or restricted land. Some devices will also allow you to mark locations where you’ve found a target. Allowing for a better
Mobile Mapping Apps
With offline maps and real-time tracking, these apps can assist in navigating and cross-referencing with previous research. Some higher-end metal detectors have the ability to sync with certain applications, enabling enhanced target tracking and location record collection.
Final Thoughts on Researching Your Location
Metal detecting is a captivating blend of history, exploration, and treasure hunting. But as with any endeavor, significant success often lies in the fine details. Improving your knowledge through research, understanding of the land, and a respect for both history and modern boundaries can make the difference between a fruitless trip and a your new go-to party story.
In the end, metal detecting is a journey into the past, a quest for hidden stories waiting to be unearthed. With the right approach, tools, and respect, every trip can be a step back in time revealing glimpses of bygone eras and the memories our ancestors left behind.