Metal Detecting Relics, Coins and Gold! Where the Antelope Play!

[BlueKnight]

I read an article by the State Geologist of Wyoming in the ICMJ (Mining Journal), recommending an area in the Western part of the state that was known for shallow pocket gold and ore shoots situated along a fault line. I decided to follow up and prospect the area to see what I could find.
After having no luck detecting an eroded rusty quartz outcrop for a few hours, I ventured out onto a raised knoll in the sagebrush a few feet away and started picking up a staccato of signals over a 30' wide by 100' deep area.The site was completely obscured by sage brush and appeared to be an old campsite or wagon stop from the 1800's. The Emigrant Trails and the Pony Express trail came together East of South Pass, WY and Atlantic City, crossing the Sweetwater river and the Continental Divide at about 8200' Elevation.
My first signal was the rim fire round, (resembles a 45/70 but doesn't have a center fire primer) and was stuck in the ground nose down, with 1/4 inch of the case sticking out. It was intact when I pulled it out, and after being stored it in a coffee can in my truck awhile, it broke in half while I was bouncing around 4-wheeling. I taped it together to hold the powder in the case. The nickel 3 cent piece dated 1865 and the percussion pistol/rifle side plate were found close to the rifle round.

I found several pieces of plank/boards that were so old and dried up they looked and felt like balsa wood. There were 3 large Flagstones buried just beneath the surface that had been placed together to make a campfire and hearth, (where the remnant of a lead bar, slag and hand cast bullets were recovered) Small animal bones were found in the fireplace. Numerous fired bullets and "Drops" were also recovered along with all the rest of the items shown in the photographs. Some of the percussion caps found (1/2 inch deep) were unfired! The 1851 (0 mint) 2 1/2 dollar gold piece was found together with the brass baton (cabinet latch?) near the campfire.There was lots of open range and BLM land to prospect on. I was fortunate to be able to get access to some private property in that area as well.
Here's a photo of the typical type of terrain/geology showing continuous ridges of eroded foliated schist and, of course, the ubiquitous herds of Antelope. I also found gold nuggets at a different nearby location which I will post separately.

 

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[russau]

You did VERY WELL ! Good eye on spotting that area ! I enjoyed your story on this !