Try to utilize a topographic map of the area, pinpoint the artifact location on the map, then start looking for towns with significant history, old cemeteries, nearby old roads, old rock pits, crossroads etc. Then get your compass and protractor out. The current location of the artifact, any old town, river, creek, etc, old homestead. These observations can help determine the who what when where and why. Maybe an entire cannon was destroyed or burst or something. Then a couple of good ol boys took the fragments by mule over the hill to their little holler and a chunk fell off. Were they taking the easy route to avoid the enemy? Swords into plowshares, by a local blacksmith? It's thought like this that might lead you to a hotter dig. You hit a jackpot bud, now use that to jump off to your next find.
