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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[The Boots]

Nice finds and info, congrats on the buttons

 

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[The Sanddigger]

Best researcher I know! Looks like a great site!

 

[joeyfresh]

Best researcher I know! Looks like a great site!

I second that! I will also say he is the most organized person on the planet. They should rename the Dewey decimal system to the Dancy decimal system.

Nice early finds Bill! With your new research techniques, you better build an addition on your house to house all of your soon-to-be new finds.

 

[Iron Patch]

It's easy to see you're clearly right and it is very early because I've never seen a lot of that stuff even at my oldest site.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

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.

I have to agree with your statement, at least in regard to this site. This is a small, remote and very early homestead and its highly unlikely the settler brought much or any coinage with him. However, I have found sites (such as my hammered silver site) where the settlers were very wealthy gentleman who fled England during their Civil War and brought all their riches with them.

 

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

I imagine those land patent maps are hard to come by, I think know as land grant maps here. In any case it worked out good for you. It looks like you had lots of targets, in liew of better digging I would make a return.

I agree with PepperJ, some sites just don't have coins, whether they just didn't have any, or were very careful with their money. Fact is there wern't stores on every corner, and you probably didn't get to one on a daily basis like we do today, so no need to be carrying your money around with you. (just some thoughts)

 

[Westfront]

Great research and finds! Good start into the season! Good luck!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Could have been a spoon too.
ZDD

Dave - I've never seen a pastry cutter attached to a spoon like that, but I think that's exactly what I have. The 2 tongs on mine had an attachment broken off on the inside of each one which is where the spindle for the wheel broke. Nice catch!

 

[matt092079]

Awesome discovery, Bill! Always learning from you!

 

[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.

I've come across some nice land patent maps for areas in NE and north-central NC. Do you live near that area?

 

[pepperj]

I imagine those land patent maps are hard to come by, I think know as land grant maps here. In any case it worked out good for you. It looks like you had lots of targets, in liew of better digging I would make a return.

I agree with PepperJ, some sites just don't have coins, whether they just didn't have any, or were very careful with their money. Fact is there wern't stores on every corner, and you probably didn't get to one on a daily basis like we do today, so no need to be carrying your money around with you. (just some thoughts)

I've had no luck at Quaker homestead sites, over a half dozen detected and the only notable finds were a few flat buttons, still looking for a single coin and it's going to framed if I do find one. I'm thinking this is just one example of a certain (sect) group that just didn't have a lot free coinage to loose, just clean hard working folks that didn't get foolish with what they had made (if anything).

 

[DMN]

Hey Bill. Nice work! Did something like you described only kind if came in backwards. Found a nice site by accident and wondered why it didn't show in any maps I had. Went to the library and after some diligence and patience found information which described a potential structure. That and looking at the topo map and using some common sense I came away with some nice relics.
Don't get out too much these days so I couldn't use the method again. I just live off the backs of guys like you who bust hump on every site they stick a spade into. Thanks and show us more on your next research trip!

 

[Kirk PA]

Alright, Bill! I see you are on a roll for Colonial still. Good to see you digging still.

Kirk

 

[DMN]

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

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

Crusader: I was wondering if that really was a pastry jig. Seems the handle is offset. Of course I'm far from any expert especially regarding coming utensils of the 17th century. Wondering if it might actually hold something like a lid. Just a thought.

 

[joeyfresh]

Bill, the UKDFD shows those brass rings as "strap or belt rings". UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

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

Dave - one strange thing about this site is that in 3 visits there I have yet to see the first piece of pottery or glass. And I've not come upon any heavy concentration of deep iron, or anything worthy of even digging a test hole. But I have yet to check the large, sloping areas in the woods that are adjacent to the field so I'm not giving up hope just yet. But its not looking promising at this point.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

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

Buck - it sounds like your local geography really presents some unique challenges for finding homesites down your way. But you guys seem to be working through that issue just fine as can be attested by your consistent success. Keep those silvers coming .....

 

[screwynewy]

I've come across some nice land patent maps for areas in NE and north-central NC. Do you live near that area?

Bill, I live in central NC but do a lot of detecting in north central NC. I'd love to see what you have. Are they in PDF format that you could email to me?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Bill, I live in central NC but do a lot of detecting in north central NC. I'd love to see what you have. Are they in PDF format that you could email to me?

Thanks,
Ken

Shoot your email to me in a PM and I'll send some stuff. Might not be until tonight or tomorrow.

 

[johnnyblaze]

Nice research Bill that is what its coming down to

Some sweet early digs there..Must be a coin hiding somewhere..

Blaze