Finally in the Camp Area

Wldbil · Mar 22, 2014

I have been looking for a small Union camp area, next to a Ferry crossing, for about a year off and on. The very first trip we made to look at site my brother-in-law found a 1856 Seated Quarter and I thought we had nailed it. That was the only thing found, and subsequent trips to the area, had only netted a few fired .59 cal 3 ringers and 1 drop. My understanding was that a small detachment of soldiers had ended up having to stay for a day or two due to a rough river and heavy rain. So finding a few bullets was not what I was thinking should have been there. Last Tuesday I had a few hours after work and happened to be in the area. I called my Uncle, contacted the property owner and with permission secured headed out again. After a couple of hours we still had nothing to say we were in the right area, then I dug some camp lead, a carbine sling tip(though i didn't know what it was) and a dropped .69 cal 3 ringer. I had no sooner stood up and took a step when I got another good reading and dug another .69 cal. I called my uncle over and said I think we need to hit this area the rest of the day, as we only had an hour left. I ended up digging 4 more and he dug 5 for the day. I felt we had finally found the spot we were looking for.

I was able to get back out there Yesterday afternoon and hunted for 4 hours in the area this time. I ended up digging 24 more bullets, a pretty toasted button and my first shield nickel.

Then out again this morning with my brother-in-law who had never dug a Civil War bullet. I setup the machine and sent him on his way. The very first signal that he dug. His first Civil War bullet.

I ended up digging another 20 bullets, but not find another button or coin in the area. I know they have to be there!!!

There has not been a ton of trash to dig through, but have found our share. And the last picture is what I have found so far in the last 3 hunts.

VOL1266-X · Mar 22, 2014

You nailed it Bill. Good job sticking with the site. Those Big Boys are fun to dig. I see the cold front is passing through OK. WTG, Q.

Off n On · Mar 22, 2014

That is cool! nothing but modern bullets out here in cali.

mirage83 · Mar 22, 2014

Congrats on apparently zeroing in on your camp. Looks like it may well produce for a while to come.

CASPER-2 · Mar 22, 2014

NICE HUNT - NICE FINDS :thumbsup:

parsonwalker · Mar 22, 2014

Wow - that's cool to figure out where it should be, and then to prove where it IS.

vpnavy · Mar 22, 2014

Great finds! Thanks for sharing...

JohnnyRebCSA · Mar 23, 2014

Thats a lot to dig considering they were there for only a day or two. Congratulations.

Wldbil · Mar 23, 2014

Thanks Everyone... Felt good finally being able to find it and dig some CW relics! Hopefully some more buttons and coins will show themselves before the grass starts to get to high.