Skrimpy said:
...there may have been convenient access but the grade of the stream really isn't conducive to swimming. It's steep, shallow, and rough water. It seems to be more of a scenic site that would be a nice place to hike to, sit down, visit, eat, take pictures, but not really a playground or park.
Water was essential, and not just for swimming purposes. People drank from streams, wet handkerchiefs to place on their necks, watered horses, even splashed it on themselves to cool down on hot days. And you're probably dealing with horse travel, unless those folks walked from a nearby church or similar community structure nearby... Personally I'd try nearer to the creek, as well as on the overlook. Natural scenic views (even though you said the trees were smaller there) were a BIG draw. Even Civil War soldiers on holidays went to the natural caves, springs, groves, and lookouts in the areas they camped. Is it possible that the photo was taken from the lookout where the picnic site was (the same view that it made it attractive to locals)? You said that the trees were quite small there. This doesn't mean big trees weren't there at the turn of the century.
I will also advance this idea, and I've been guilty of it before: Perhaps the first coin you chanced upon, the single Indian Head Cent, is clouding your judgement right now; leading you to believe that the area with the nails is the best place on the site to hunt. Perhaps this was an isolated loss by the people who appear in the old photo, or others. It might also keep you from finding a sweet spot on the site until after you have expended a lot of energy without much payoff. It nevertheless is a good sign. Keep in mind that people walked everywhere and explored. As the Victorians started to live a life of considerably more comfort than their ancestors had ever had, they had to find new things to do with their time, including exploration of their natural surroundings. I have read accounts of local attractions that received a good deal of renown in their day but which we would hardly bat an eye at.
Personally I would go to the other areas and see if I could find more there first. Then if I've looked everywhere else and come up empty handed I'd come back to the place where I found the lone coin and focus there. If it will put your mind at ease, try the "X" first (as others have suggested), but if you don't reap any rewards you should regroup and rethink your approach. I like the idea of moving away from the nail-filled area and seeing what you happen upon. By the way, you'll definitely want to have a friend there--hunting a site like this is not much fun alone. 2 detectors = 2x the ground covered and 2x the likelihood of hitting a hot spot. Don't neglect the area around the creek or hill though, and hunt these just as thoroughly as the place where you have found the single coin. Remember, that single coin may be the end of the story for the spot you're currently frustrated with, and you may have to live with that after you have gone through all the other options. On the other hand, you may walk away from there and find three or four old coins by the creek or up on the hill. Just make sure you give other areas an equal chance.
Regards,
Buckleboy
