Found on an Unknown Oregon Trail

[Doug Mauck]

I found what I believe is a previously unknown trace of the Union Ferry Branch of the Oregon Trail near Topeka, Kansas. I first found what looked like old ruts on in hill in the woods that ran about sixty yards. Then I noticed 'benches' on the hillside that looked like various approaches to the ruts. I knew the Oregon Trail crossed the Kansas River at Topeka and then found out that another branch (Union Ferry Branch) continued west from Topeka for about 30 miles before this branch crossed the Kansas River. Now I knew that the trail trace I had found had to be an unknown part of the Oregon Trail! Wow! An old trail that only I knew about! I can now trace the trail for about 1/2 mile in total! My first find in the trace was this old shovel. The shovel was made of two pieces riveted together, so I knew it was old. In searching the net, I was able to identify the shovel as a U.S. Army artillery shovel from the 1860's and proved to myself that this trail was the Oregon Trail. There is a lot of hunting to do yet and I'm hoping to find ox shoes. So far I've found an iron buckle, some broken bolts with square nuts, and other miscellaneous items of unproven identity. My shovel matches in detail and measurements the one shown at: http://www.libertyrifles.org/research/dugtools.html about half-way down the page. P.S. The shovel was on a wooded hill with very shallow topsoil. The rocks kept it from sinking, so it was practically on the surface. The other artifacts are of uncertain age or identity but could be from the trail. The round object looks like part of a bicycle bell but has a rough surface like it had never been polished.

 

[Call me a Plumber]

Hey Doug that shovel looks pretty fresh for being 145 or so years old but good find never the less. How far down was it and where are the pictures of the rest of your items you found. Another thing not related is I went to school in McPherson Co. you got any kin folk there as the name is familiar. The Plumber.

P.S. I was a 4-H member and we went to camp at Rock Springs 4-H camp just south of Junction City a good place to hunt if you can get permission. I personnally found some old coins there when I was a Kid, and a dumb kid at that cause I spent it on soda, well some of it. There be Treasure thar ARRRRR. Good luck on your hunting and I live in Utah nowadays just another heathen amongst the Saints.

 

[Rob in KS]

WOW, you've got a good spot there. You'll be detecting there for a long time. Maybe you'll find a cache buried where someone camped for the night. Post LOTS of pictures, we love pictures.

I grew up around Topeka and now I live in McPherson County.