They yard I never wanted to end !!!!

[Tnmountains]

November 25th, 1863. Missionary Ridge
Braxton Braggs center defenses were over run and the battle and long siege of Chattanooga was ended. The confederate retreat seemed to be in shambles. Sheridan now stands on top of Missionary Ridge and could see the jammed wagon trails full of ambulances men and artillery of the Confederacy. He could not resist and sent the Ohio and Indiana boys to go recover what they could. They captured boxes of stores and around 200 prisoners. Inspired by this quick success they decided to pursue the Confederates just a half a mile away.
Bates set up a rear guard for the retreating confederates on a small ridge and from here he blasted the 97th Ohio and the 40th in the valley below. Musket balls and canister shot rained down with one soldier saying “it sounded like flocks of winged geese going by”. The bloody skirmish killed more here than the taking of the center of Braggs front on Missionary ridge. 149 officers and men of 434 present died and 40 of the 40th were killed for a total of 118 from Indiana. 45% engaged were now casulties of war. Sheridan ordered another attack and Bates leaving two guns retreated into the night.
In 1927 my great uncle built his home on this hill that still remains in the family. These are some of the finds from my yard. I have hesitated posting not wanting the hunt to ever end but it was time to post after that last bullet I dug today. I feel I will always find another item hopefully. I have been working and have almost completed the digging in the valley at the base of the hill in the neighborhood where so many had died in such a short time. Much has been destroyed by construction but if you know where to look the old wagon road still remains and is visible as it winds through my back yard. I often sit on the deck and imagine the soldiers bloody and defeated winding across the back yard that cold clear night many years ago.
Here are my finds from that battle and later items lost from my family through a couple of generations. All from my yard.
Thank you for taking the time to look and read. I felt it was important to know in this post at least why some things are where they are. Have been digging this for a while just hated to see it slow down. But the hits were slowing down today so here I am
HH
TnMountains
Couple bullets shotgun base live shell and a merry widows can and a not so old token ?

Some of the bullets still have the wood plug in them.

Total so far including a few old wheat backs, some silver coins, tokens, grommets, grape shot and bullets. A few what is its also.

Brass Lords Prayer. We find these a lot on battle areas?

Rural Free Delivery lock


War World I Toy lead soldier

Alabama luxury tax token(wonder if its still good?)


Nasville coach lines school fare. Hit it with my bayonet : (

Great Great Merc(did I say great?)

tired 1914 silver

coins 1926 and1918 mercs 1947 and 1960 dimes
1944 nickle and a 1949
Lots of wheats not shown
Lots of current clad spent at store
HH
TnMountains

 

[Tnmountains]

Thanks Guys and Gals. You all inspire me to get out and hunt. Yep a lot of history for the next generation to ponder
HH
TnMountains

 

[lostlake88]

Man that sounds like a good time. You can always go back Awesome finds!

 

[wyattrr]

Whoa...Holy Smokes!! A Treasure trove of Goodies, wish I had a back yard like that...Congrats on your Finds

 

[Nashoba]

I have to admit. I see a lot of nice jewelry, coins, etc., but this is phenomenal story and the digs truly amazing. Were I you, I would definitely post this to the "Best finds" section.
Thanks for sharing with us.
~Nash~

 

[ivan salis]

surprized no yankee butttons there --with that many lost you'ld think there would be buttons around there

 

[Tnmountains]

surprized no yankee butttons there --with that many lost you'ld think there would be buttons around there

Ivan have found some I buttons down below still digging that area.This was just from my yard not a button one Mostly drops to be honest. They defended and scooted sir.

 

[Tnmountains]

I have to admit. I see a lot of nice jewelry, coins, etc., but this is phenomenal story and the digs truly amazing. Were I you, I would definitely post this to the "Best finds" section.
Thanks for sharing with us.
~Nash~

Relic hunters are funny about their spots. They know the history themselves but never share it because human nature will sneak in on ya.I can share this history cause I doubt anyone would be crazy enough to try to dig in me yard ,lol. I have had better hunts and better items but none as special and fun as this one. May move it there until I dig out that whole cannon !!
Thanks all

 

[gmsparky]

wow !!! lots of great things, nice work.

 

[treasurehound]

Wow! Awesome story and fantastic finds. You got what many of us dream about. Great job and recovery of history.

Randy

 

[ivan salis]

with the numbers of union soldiers lost at the hill bottom the union troops were clearly taken by surprize by the confederate batterys upon on the ridge (most likely thought the enemy was in full retreat and they rushed in with out checking properly --big mistake on their part)-- there should be a good amount of union buttons down at the area at the hill bottom --being the confederates hit them hard with the cannons then split before the union forces could reform and counter attack --with this type of attack there would be few if any confederate losses so not much in the way of confederate goods lost most likely -- (the rebel troops were prepared --- laying in wait for the union troops --- hit em and run--- so not much left behind to speak of by the confederates)

 

[allen]

there is no telling what else you
will find in that yard before you
are through with it !
WTG on all of those awesome finds
youve already dug up also !

 

[GopherDaGold]

As enjoyable as it is to see the fruits of your labor, it is made even better when I can read the history behind the artifacts you have displayed. In essence, it personalizes the items and allows me to view them with greater awe.
Thank you.

 

[Tnmountains]

Thanks everyone. Ivan you are right. I have got about 6 large estate lots below me and have permission to hunt them. One of the guys say he dug out a fish pond years ago and found so many bullets they lined the concrete pond with them. Neices, nephews and grand children have all plucked them out. Am looking forward to taking my time and see whats there. I never tire even if just pulling out nothing but bullets.
TnMountains

 

[tymcmurray]

Well done! Great research! Great finds!