Early land patent research leads to discovery of new 1600s site

[Bill D. (VA)]

The significance of this post isn’t so much about the recovery of artifacts as it is about my excitement with the success of a new research tool I’m starting to utilize. By using 17[SUP]th[/SUP] century land patent maps (which are hard to find BTW) in combination with current aerials and topo maps, as well as my experience, it appears I can really narrow down the location of previously undocumented and hopefully unhunted 1600s sites.

My first attempt at using this method started out with a plat map for a 300 acre land patent from 1642 that I found on the web. By viewing a topo map of the area I quickly noticed that a large majority of this parcel was land that sloped down to a creek on 2 sides. On the remaining ground there was an obvious ridge in the back of an open field next to the woodline and near one of the creeks. This seemed to be the best spot for a house on the property. By the way, it was a requirement in early Virginia for the new landowner to build and start planting within 3 years of receiving the patent which meant a high probability of a house site somewhere on the property. After securing permission I headed directly for the high ground and walked right into the iron patch and early brick. It wasn’t long before I was able to validate the age of the site based on the early finds I was recovering. No coins and very few buttons were dug, but a nice assortment of period artifacts including 2 trapezoidal buckles, several musketballs, leather ornaments and tacks, what may be a small cannonball, and a few other odds and ends. One of the pipe stems I eyeballed had a 9/64” stem bore diameter which equates to early-to-mid 1600s. I also dug this interesting lead disk which appears to have an “S” (or a snake?) on the front and 2 attachment points on the back. I believe this may have been a crude, early button and not a bale seal. I’m also unsure as to what the brass item is on the far right of the group pic. It resembles a fork with 2 tongs, but that’s not what it is.

I’m about finished up with this site, and am anxious to move on to the next land patent on my list. This could be a very interesting season that’s about to unfold. Can’t wait!

 

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[gwdigger]

Excellent info Bill. You just opened up some doors that I can utilize.

 

[Greylock]

Look at all that good stuff. Those buckles are awesome

 

[Helix]

Very interesting..

 

[Don in SJ]

Great research and logic Bill, most of those finds sure look period as you had hoped and hopefully your next new site will be more productive and also from same time frame.....

Don

 

[pepperj]

Great assortment finds from the site and your research worked out well. One has to wonder if some just didn't have any money to loose.

 

[Brian W]

Those are some real early finds...nice buckles and buttons....congrats

 

[Hunthicks]

Gotta love when research pays off!

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Great detective work Bill, I think your going to have a heck of a good season. Have you probed that site for privies or pits? Looks like your detector was working overtime, some really nice buckles in that mix.
ZDD

 

[gleaner1]

Great tectin right there its sensory overload

 

[screwynewy]

Great job on the research. I am going to have to put some of your techniques to work and see if I can find any records of early land grants in my area. I'm curious what the hour glass shaped item below the thimble is. The one with the prongs on the back. I found one at one of my early sites.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Great job on the research. I am going to have to put some of your techniques to work and see if I can find any records of early land grants in my area. I'm curious what the hour glass shaped item below the thimble is. The one with the prongs on the back. I found one at one of my early sites.

That's a decorative leather ornament.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Wonderful information on maps and grants. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Great Stuff, Bill! Wish there was a 3 year rule in KY and IN. That land was susceptible to squatting in the early days, and no rule meant that some of it never had a structure on it or a homesite or even a barn. I've found my share in those states, but had to work hard for what I found. Here in LA, geography is the Enemy, since every acre looks like every other acre: flat as a pancake. So a house could really be anywhere...and I have found them in surprising places even low-lying areas. Seems that the water tables have changed here with the Corps of Engineers modifications, dams, levees, etc.

At any rate, congrats on a great hunt and a good research method!

Cheers,

Buck

 

[mangum]

Great finds & great research! Man, I wish I could get on an early site like that but not possible in my part of the state. I'm assuming this is a mix of 17th & 18th century items? I found a leather ornament that looks to be an exact match to yours. Im assuming the smaller round item is also some sort of leather ornament. Mine was found at an 18thc plantation in Charleston. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Excellent detective work! Opens up unknown places for you, congrats on your finds!

 

[CRUSADER]

'It resembles a fork with 2 tongs, but that’s not what it is.'

It's an easy one, part of a pastry jigger.

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Could have been a spoon too.
ZDD

 

[Bubba65]

Love the Buckles Bill CONGRATS on great research

 

[CASPER-2]