Study maps and historical documents to identify potential treasure sites.
Understanding the historical context of the area you plan to search is crucial for successful metal detecting. By studying maps and historical documents, you can identify potentially productive sites and increase your chances of finding interesting and valuable artefacts. Here’s why this is important and how to do it effectively.
Why Understanding Historical Context Matters
*Identify Potential Sites: Historical maps and documents can reveal locations of old settlements, battlefields, trading routes, and other places where people lived, worked, congregated and traveled. These areas are often rich in lost or buried items.
*Uncover Hidden Clues: Many potential treasure sites are hidden from plain view today. Understanding the history of an area can provide clues about where people might have congregated or where significant events took place.
*Increase Finds Quality: By focusing on historically rich areas, you increase your chances of finding valuable and significant items rather than modern junk.
*Respect Heritage: Understanding the historical context also helps you respect and preserve local heritage, as you’ll be more aware of the cultural and historical significance of the items you find.
How to Study Historical Context
*Collect Historical Maps: Obtain old maps of the area you plan to detect. These can show historical landmarks, buildings, roads, and other features that no longer exist but were once significant.
*Local Libraries and Archives: Visit local libraries, historical societies, and archives to access historical maps and documents.
*Online Resources: Use online databases and websites that specialize in historical maps. Websites like the US Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/ US Geological Survey (USGS): https://www.usgs.gov/ National Library of Scotland: https://maps.nls.uk/ Old Maps Online https://www.oldmapsonline.org/ and local government archives can be valuable resources.
*Compare Maps: Compare old maps with modern ones to identify changes in the landscape and pinpoint potential sites that may have been forgotten over time.
*Study Historical Documents: Read historical documents, such as old newspapers, diaries, letters, and official records, to gather information about historical events and everyday life.
*Local Histories: Look for books and articles on the local history of the area. These can provide context and details about significant locations and events.
*Genealogical Records: Family histories and genealogical records can offer insights into where ancestors lived and worked, leading to potential detecting sites.
*Historical Societies: Engage with local historical societies, as they often have archives of documents and knowledgeable members who can provide valuable insights.
*Identify Key Features: Focus on identifying key historical features that are likely to yield finds.
*Old Dwellings and Settlements: Look for locations of old dwellings, villages, and settlements. These areas are often rich in artefacts and coins.
*Roads and Paths: Old roads, paths, tracks and trails were commonly used routes where people might have lost items.
*Water Sources: Rivers, creeks, and wells were vital for communities and are often good places to search for lost items.
*Public Gathering Places: Identify old schools, churches, markets, fairgrounds, and parks where people gathered and possibly lost items.
*Battlefields and Campsites: Locations of historical battles and military camps can be rich in military artefacts but be aware that many known battle sites will be protected.
*Use Technology: Modern technology can help you overlay historical maps onto current maps, making it easier to locate old sites.
*GIS Software: Geographic Information System (GIS) software can help you analyze and overlay historical maps with modern ones.
*Google Earth: Use Google Earth to compare historical maps with current satellite imagery to identify changes in the landscape.
*Field Verification: Once you have identified potential sites through maps and documents, visit the locations to verify their potential.
*Site Inspection: Walk the area to look for any visible signs of historical activity, such as old foundations, pottery sherds, or changes in vegetation.
*Talk to Locals: Engage with local residents who may have stories or additional information about the history of the area.
Recommended Reading
SITE RESEARCH FOR DETECTORISTS, FIELDWALKERS & ARCHAEOLOGISTS. https://www.truetreasurebooks.net/product/site-research
SUCCESSFUL DETECTING SITES: Locate 1000s of Superb Sites and Make More Finds. https://www.truetreasurebooks.net/product/successful-detecting-sites
THE SUCCESSFUL TREASURE HUNTER’S ESSENTIAL SITE RESEARCH MANUAL: How to Find Productive Metal Detecting Sites, (E-Book). https://www.truetreasurebooks.net/product/the-successful-treasure-hunters-essential-site-research-manual
INTERNET SITE RESEARCH FOR DETECTORISTS: How to Find Productive UK Metal Detecting Sites Using the World Wide Web. https://www.truetreasurebooks.net/product/internet-site-research
HOW TO RESEARCH FARM HISTORY FOR METAL DETECTING https://www.truetreasurebooks.net/product/how-to-research-farm-history-for-metal-detecting
PROFITABLE DETECTING SITES: How to Make More High Quality Finds! https://www.truetreasurebooks.net/product/profitable-detecting-sites
Recent Comments