Skirmish at Hunterstown, PA

[richg]

I was lucky enough this week to get the go ahead to search some fields in hunterstown, PA. Pretty much the area is about 300 acres of open fields on Hunterstown road. So far all I could find was that confederate troups marched down hunterstown road on the way to gettysburg. I also read there was a skirmish in Hunterstown. Does anyone have any suggestions on approaching this massive area of open field? Does anyone have any info on the hunterstown skirmish or anything else related to the area?? Any help would be greatly appreciated and hopefully I will be heading down there next saturday for a long day of hunting. I have to drive 2 hours to get there but it may very well be worth the trip. I will be posting pictures of any finds. Thanks for the help.

 

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[Shiftlngsands]

the battle of gettysburg was held on some very hot days and most units were rushed to the battlefield but i would search out areas around large trees if there are any. nothing like sitting under a tree in the shade to beat the heat its just an idea but something to look for not sure of the life limit of say an oak or elm they might have been nearly full grown at the time so lasting another 150 years might be out of the question

 

[Ocean7]

wow 2 hours away huh? well I know of one guy that seesm to do pretty well with relics. His M.O. is to just pick a straight line and keep detecting until he starts to find iron. Then he slows down and checks that area. Perhaps a X pattern across the field might speed things up. Low areas or high areas may yield more finds. Where would you be if enemy troops were nearby? What positions would give you an advantage over the other side? use some common sense, logic, and your gut feeling about where to hunt.

Sometimes an old timer will come up to you and point you to the proper place. I've had it happen in the past. Hope you find something good!

 

[bergie]

Hopefully this helps. A letter from the Confederate general at the Hunterstown battle with some details. Best thing might be to get some local historian on the phone before you go, who might know specifics about the battle site(s) and how they relate to your site. Best of luck. Let us know how you do.
http://www.ehistory.com/uscw/library/or/044/0724.cfm

 

[bergie]

Meant to add to my last email, check around creeks or any water on the property. I have had great luck with that around Rev. War sites in my area. They had to stay close to water or be around it several times per day and would almost certainly camp near it.

 

[richg]

Thanks for the info bergie, I never did get down there yet as the work schedule is hectic. I will keep you posted when I do get down there. HH

 

[tennessee jed]

hey rich, i think the road is the big key to the good stuff ! it was hot and they stopped for a blow,make ammo,water horses etc.look for old road beds (a map can help but not a must)look for old house places.this will work and its not that hard to ride around and check the place out(thats what i like).ask the owner if he can point out the road beds and let it fly

 

[FLauthor]

Find a source for Infrared Aerial Maps of the site in question. Old road beds will become visible on these maps. If none are available then check the courthouse for the old Gov't Survey Plats of 1850's. They'll have Township and Range that can be cross referenced with a modern map. Good luck.

Harry