15 Old Homesteads That Will Thrill Metal Detector Enthusiasts!
Old homesteads are a treasure trove for metal detector enthusiasts. These historic sites, often abandoned and forgotten, hold the promise of uncovering relics and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us.
Here is a list of 15 old homesteads that every metal detecting enthusiast should check out:
1. The Burrowes Mansion – Located in Matawan, New Jersey, this historic site was built in 1723 by John Burrowes. The mansion has since been restored and turned into a museum but still offers ample opportunity for metal detecting around its grounds.
2. The Johnson Farm – Located in Germantown, Pennsylvania, this farm was owned by the Johnson family from the early 1700s to the mid-1800s. Metal detectors can find interesting artifacts in and around the old farmhouse and barn.
3. The Biltmore Estate – Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this estate was built by George Vanderbilt between 1889-1895 and is one of America’s largest homes with over 250 rooms on an astonishing 125k acres! Detecting at Biltmore may require permission from management or paying admission fees as it is mostly open only to tour groups.
4. Old Sheldon Church Ruins – Located outside Beaufort, South Carolina these ruins are all that remain of Prince William’s Parish Church which was burned down during the Revolutionary War having being rebuilt afterward only to be destroyed again during Sherman’s March through Georgia campaign.
5. Fort Nashborough Site – Nashville Tennessee: This historic site dates back to when James Robertson founded Nashville on Christmas Day in December of 1779 after leading his group through treacherous wilderness conditions where he established Fort Nashborough along what would become known as “The Cumberland River”.
6. Historic Stagville Plantation – Durham NC: This plantation complex operated from about 1787 until Reconstruction ended following the Civil War and is now a state historic site. Metal detecting can be done in areas that were once slave quarters, fields and along roads used by the slaves.
7. The Old Manassas Courthouse – Located in Manassas, Virginia; this courthouse was built in 1892 and is known for being the site of two Civil War battles fought on its doorstep. There are many areas around the courthouse where metal detectors can find relics including old bullets, buckles, and other military paraphernalia.
8. Fort Pulaski – Located near Savannah Georgia: This fort served as a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War but eventually surrendered to Union forces after 30 hours of bombardment by artillery from Tybee Island which could still yield finds today.
9. The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site – Kinderhook NY: This national landmark has been preserved to show what life was like for America’s eighth president while he lived there from his birth until he left to attend law school at 14 years old! Detecting opportunities abound on the property as well as nearby town lots since it was initially part of a much larger farm before being subdivided into multiple smaller parcels over time.
10. The Coker House – Hartsville SC: This home dates back to 1835 when James Lide Coker originally constructed it with an additional wing added later in 1850s making it one of few pre-Civil war homes still standing in Darlington County where one may find period artifacts such as buttons or coins dropped long ago…
11. Fort Fremont – Located on St Helena island near Beaufort SC: Built during Spanish-American War (1898) era this fort stands sentinel overlooking Port Royal Sound & Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot now having become a public park area which offers metal detecting opportunities on its beaches adjacent marshland wetlands areas too!
12. Huguenot Street Historic District – New Paltz NY: This historic district is a National Historic Landmark that includes ten stone houses dating back to the early 1700s. Metal detecting opportunities abound in the area surrounding these homes where relics and artifacts can be found.
13. The Ghost Town of Bodie – Located in California it was once known as “the wickedest town in the west” some say! Founded during the gold rush era, this town has been preserved in its state of decay since being abandoned over time making it a unique destination for metal detectorists looking to find hidden treasures.
14. The Old Cahawba Archaeological Site – Selma AL: This site was once Alabama’s capital city before being abandoned after suffering damage from floods and fires which turned into an archaeological treasure trove for those interested in finding old coins or other lost items!
15. Fort Ticonderoga – New York State: Built by the French to protect their interests in North America from British, then taken by British who held it until American Revolution when Ethan Allen & Benedict Arnold led an attack on its garrison; now open to public visitors with ample metal detecting opportunity on surrounding grounds including gardens, fortifications walls, and other structures within property lines.
In conclusion, there are many old homesteads all across America that offer endless opportunities for metal detecting enthusiasts looking to uncover history’s forgotten treasures. Whether you’re searching for Civil War relics or pre-Civil War-era coins, these sites provide fascinating glimpses into our nation’s past while also offering adventure and excitement along the way!