Awesome discovery want feedback

[JohnATP]

So I was given permission to hunt on some property that is about 500 acres of semi thick woods. Looking up the history of the property there was a school in the middle of the woods that was burnt down by jay hawkers during the civil war. I couldn't seem to find any evidence or remains of any building or structure anywhere until I came across a well. I causiously detected around the well but only turned up square nails. So I decided to tie a rope to my AT and lowered it down the well (about 14 feet to bottom) it went off like the 4th of July. Now I am half crazy at times and have been known to throw caution to the wind if there is a chance of finding a rare artifact of sorts but this is unfamiliar territory. I can usually gauge the level of stupidity or risk of climbing in building or structures that are half rotten but the idea of the walls caving in on me at the bottom of a well is honestly the only thing keeping me from going in. Some treasures are just not worth the risk. Has anyone ever climed in to a well before? It "seems" solid and doesn't appear to have loose bricks or signs of caving in but you never know. Anyone have any experience in going in old wells? Here are the picks of the well.

 

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[david680]

Take proper precautions and a friend or two. Its worth a try.

 

[Evolution]

I would dive in head first ... seriously though. I would be just as curious as you and would be thinking of a way to lower myself down. That tree close to the well looks a little shabby so i'd look for a more sturdy one to tie off to. I'd bring a friend with me and have him lower some 5 gallon buckets down and hoist them out for you. Whatever you decide to do, be careful, and good luck.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Tie a magnet to a rope and drop it down. It may or may not retrieve some stuff depending on how deep it is under the leaf litter.

 

[Johncoho]

It doesn't appear to be too deep. I'd give it a try but have someone along if something goes wrong. There may have been some old coins tossed in the well.

 

[sutphin]

ID JUMP ON THAT HOLE LIKE A RAT EATS CHEESE , GOOD LUCK .

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Great find and potential!

However, looks fairly deep and heavier gases find the low spots. If there's any way to test the air down there prior to anyone going to the bottom, please do for your own safety People are unaware of the huge danger in holes, 40 years in the construction industry showed me a whole lot. At least wear a harness with lanyard attached and at least two buddies to pull you back out in case there is an actual issue.

 

[General_Me]

just get down there, a rope on the base of that tree will be fine, just have a mate there with you ..awesome, take a metal detector down there with you

 

[port ewen ace]

lower a canary in a cage, if he goes sideways, the air is bad :--). seriously, I played with a similar deeper well a few weeks back. a magnet grabbed 2 water barrel hoops. if a ladder fits, I'm with Evolution & Fyrftter, a few pails on a rope to digger #2 on terra firma----then sift away. maybe a few critter skeletons for the kids to play with as a bonus. then swing a generous area around the perimeter. be careful and safe if you dive in with a harness. hope you score some goodies )

 

[against the wind]

Buckets , milk crates, heavy ropes, shovels, and someone else to test the air quality at the bottom of the well. With the top of the well open to the outside air, you would think that the air at the bottom of the well is okay. It's better to err on the side of safety. Who knows what may have been decomposing on the bottom of that well.
Good luck and watch out for snakes.

 

[JohnATP]

Thanks guys i think my and a couple guys are going to go back out there in a couple weeks with some gear. I am pumped to find out what's in the bottom. I will update with what I find.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello JohnATP,

Good luck on your adventure, please be careful and use the proper equipment!

Regards,

Doc

 

[dirtdigginfool]

At the very least, haul one of them zillion candlepower search lights and at least get a general idea of what's down there...you just may see enough to know you don't want to venture down there...but...if you're like me you'll jump in head first and start ripping and tearing...but seriously, spend $20 on a high power light and let us know what you find!...ddf

 

[CRUSADER]

It will have a lot of junk in it, but should be some keepers as well. Probably best take a bucket, so your buddy can get rid of the soil, the deeper you get the better.

 

[Aussie]

I would have someone keep tension on your rope and harness at all times.
The bottom of those wells sometimes give way.
Good luck, I'm sure you will find something of interest.

 

[Rustic]

A lot of good advice here. Also you and your buddies might think about bringing along something to act as a strong lid for this hole, like some old 4X4's and a piece of old scrap metal roofing to nail to them, as a way of covering the well, protecting wild animals from that hole once you're done. Everything falls into old wells, frogs, mice, snakes, chipmunk, baby turkeys... probably even foxes now and then. And what a crap way to die. I bet the homeowner will be happy too. Any way, best of luck down there. I hope you find some cool artifacts

 

[Reelsnrods]

...And someone else to test the air quality...Classic

 

[trapperart]

Good luck and be careful

 

[CMDiamonddawg]

go for it , bring some helpers and a rope ladder .

 

[Trezurehunter]

I wouldnt jump in, but I have a friend that would do it for me - he's a miner and doesnt mind tight spaces.