Hunterhound
Jr. Member
Greetings,
So one of the things that I haven't been able to wrap my mind around since beginning my research into treasure hunting/metal detecting is where to find good "old" maps to compare with current. I have seen some ties promising to give clear maps and/or topo data but the cost to obtain the materials is considerable. I have done some research on my county clerk's website looking for old deed records and maps to look for places to hunt but the site only lists 2 maps that I can see: 1 is very old (possibly several years after the town was started) and the other is 60-80 years ahead of the previous map. I'm thinking these maps will give me a starting point for my local town but what do you guys use to find your maps? I heard of one guy using an old town map and comparing it to modern Google Earth imagery. I just don't know where to find a good supply of the old maps.
While we're on the subject of research, I do have one other question. The first town I am looking to hunt was founded in 1796. Given the large amount of trade merchants that came through the area, the small amount of sugar and brick industry that existed in the town, and the civil war history in the area, I feel like I'll be able to find some good things there. Aside from trying to find old topo data and maps, as well as utilizing old homestead records, what other sources would you guys use to identify hunt locations within the town? I considered researching civil war troop movements in the area and taking a chance areas that were likely frequented for casual strolls by colonial or civil war era citizens but I want to make sure I dedicate my precious hunting time in the areas likely to generate the best results. One last note on this section, I am going to buy the waterproof Garrett AT Pro so I intend to check the nearby creek and will hopefully build up to the edge of the nearby river when my search techniques are refined.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
So one of the things that I haven't been able to wrap my mind around since beginning my research into treasure hunting/metal detecting is where to find good "old" maps to compare with current. I have seen some ties promising to give clear maps and/or topo data but the cost to obtain the materials is considerable. I have done some research on my county clerk's website looking for old deed records and maps to look for places to hunt but the site only lists 2 maps that I can see: 1 is very old (possibly several years after the town was started) and the other is 60-80 years ahead of the previous map. I'm thinking these maps will give me a starting point for my local town but what do you guys use to find your maps? I heard of one guy using an old town map and comparing it to modern Google Earth imagery. I just don't know where to find a good supply of the old maps.
While we're on the subject of research, I do have one other question. The first town I am looking to hunt was founded in 1796. Given the large amount of trade merchants that came through the area, the small amount of sugar and brick industry that existed in the town, and the civil war history in the area, I feel like I'll be able to find some good things there. Aside from trying to find old topo data and maps, as well as utilizing old homestead records, what other sources would you guys use to identify hunt locations within the town? I considered researching civil war troop movements in the area and taking a chance areas that were likely frequented for casual strolls by colonial or civil war era citizens but I want to make sure I dedicate my precious hunting time in the areas likely to generate the best results. One last note on this section, I am going to buy the waterproof Garrett AT Pro so I intend to check the nearby creek and will hopefully build up to the edge of the nearby river when my search techniques are refined.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
