04/21/2026
Here are the final results after metal detecting with my friends for several days in the Deep South!
We were able to get onto a really good spot - a Civil War encampment where several regiments of cavalry and mounted infantry stayed for several months. This particular property was also the site of a homestead dating back to the 1830s; Civil War troops camped in the surrounding fields, and high ranking officers used the rooms in the house as sleeping quarters.
Despite the weather conditions being some of the worst possible for a comfortable metal detecting session, we managed to each find a pile of goodies that made our cracked hands and muddy clothes all worth it.
Collectively, we managed to find nearly 100 Cavalry bullets of many different varieties, including a Hayes, C**t Navies, C**t Armies, Brunsides, Sharps, and more! Buttons, a sword hanger, a spur leg, scabbard tips, gun parts and escutcheons, and other various military-issued brass items came out, all telling the tales of the troops who camped at this exact location 160+ years ago.
Several relics lost by civilians were also located, including a nice brass skeleton key, two silver spoons, a large plantation bell, oil lamp pieces, brooches, sash buckles, door latches, and other oddities dropped before and after the Civil War by the various people and families that lived at the old house site.
The two stand-out finds are definitely the U.S. Buckle found by Riley, and the .32 cal Marlin derringer style pistol found by Luke. Both are quintessential Civil War relics to find and display in the collection, and I can only imagine the stories of how these were lost!
Overall, it was a fantastic trip filled with fun memories. Despite the wintery weather, we were able to find a gigantic pile of relics that will be further preserved and displayed for future generations to ponder and enjoy.
