The Lost Relics of the 1836 Texas Navy

Very few people realize that the short-lived Republic of Texas had its own navy. But it most certainly did, as two collectors and the many relics they’ve acquired and diligently researched demonstrate beyond all doubt.

By Bobby J. McKinney & John A. Culberson

Overnight Artillery

Hood’s Confederate army traveled this old road as they headed to Nashville, and ultimately, their ruin there. Along the way, a lone Confederate artillery unit stopped to camp overnight. Over 150 years later, the relics they left were rediscovered.

By Joe Haile

Radar System Leads to Bonanza

Using ground-penetrating radar and metal detectors at a site in Augusta, Georgia, seasoned bottle hunters not only find collectible glassware, but Civil War buttons and other artifacts.

By Karl Harrar

The Bullet Pit

With so many sites already heavily searched, finding one Civil War bullet might be considered a successful hunt. Finding a dozen would be very good, and finding 50 would be terrific. One relic hunter, however, recently dug 1,191 in a single hole.

By Wes Dennen

Cash in the Trash

Dug or found junk of brass, copper, aluminum, and iron all have some cash value; some more than others. But carefully go through your ‘scrap” items before dropping them off at a recycling center!

By Chip Kirkpatrick

Gold on the 7th Fairway!

Club hunts are not limited to farmlands and wooded areas. This Illinois club secured permission to search both an old prison and a defunct golf course. At the latter location one member was able to locate and return an old class ring to its original owner.

By Ron Offerman

Five Days to Remember

When three diggers set out to find a cellar hole in upstate New York, they instead wandered into an untouched War of 1812 camp. What followed was five days of amazing finds.

By Dave Wise