Welcome to my favorite past-time!  I love learning everything about the Civil War.  In fact, this interest is what spawned my obsession with metal detecting in the first place.  I'm not sure why it never occurred to me before, but when I realized that you could actually find something yourself that was carried by soldiers 150+ years ago during this great war, I was immediately hooked.  If you're a relic hunter like me, then I think you'll agree:

     - You would much rather dig a rusty horseshoe than a pocketful of new quarters
     - Finding a bullet lodged in a piece of wood is a dream come true
     - Your bathroom sink gets completely stopped up at least every 6 months with dirt 
     - You'll always go home happy if you can at least dig up a single Enfield 3-ringer 
     - The greatest thing you could ever find is a belt buckle 

     Since the Civil War was fought almost throughout the entire US, nobody can ever honestly proclaim to tell you HOW to find Civil War relics.  However, I'm sure that many of you have tips that you can share.  If you feel so inclined, please share some of your tips to help the rest of us here:  

 

	The Best Civil War Links

  IDENTIFICATION            PERSONAL       HISTORY           MAPS           MISCELLANEOUS

Date Your Clay Pipe			GA REBEL RELICS
			CIVIL WAR RELIC PRESERVATION
			PoPcoRn' Civil War
SORRY!	THIS PAGE	STILL UNDER	CONSTRUCTION!

Editor Note:  

     So, you're new to relic hunting, and trying to learn how to get as close as possible to the nearest battlefield?  Sure, you can just be the 999th person to ask a farmer if you can hit the same old tired spots that are well-marked with signs and monuments.  Or, you can get off the beaten path, do a little more research, and really study the battles and troop movements.  Admittedly, well-known battlefields have provided thousands of bullets to hundreds of detectorists over the years.  Just imagine, though, if you discovered one of the relatively unknown honey-holes out there that are just teeming with buttons and beltplates!  Even as late as 2003, I personally dug several US plates and two sword beltplates in the Midwestern US.  Many more spots in several other states are still out there waiting to see the light of day!  

     The guys (and gals) who usually make the most meaningful finds conduct a little terrain and battle analysis before hitting the field.  In order to be successful, warfighters must capitalize on terrain features in order to help shape the battlespace in their favor.  You must do so as well - for your enemy is time and distance - there could be a hell of a lot of ground to cover!  

     Remember:  Horses and mess areas need lots of water, so streams, springs, and natural ponds are always good places to look for.  However, try to avoid flood areas, since you will only dig really deep modern trash.  Alternatively, high points also make good spots since they command a defendable area for a campsite or battle position.  

     If all else fails, join a club or otherwise get to know your neighboring relic hunters better.  Network marketing, along with "group think," can usually yield fantastic opportunities and you'll definitely make lasting friendships!  

Finally, just a reminder:  Stay off federal land.

     Good Luck Relic Hunting!

     ~ Treasurefish