Experiencing history first-hand beats any lecture you can hear or book you can read. Thankfully, getting your hands dirty to find historical artifacts is actually something you can do without any prior experience. Below we’ll detail 5 ways that you can find things from the past at any campsite.
#1 Volunteer on an archaeological dig
It takes a lot of resources to do an archaeological dig. The tools required alone are large and expensive, not exactly suitable for a camping trip. Then there is the knowledge of where and how to dig, how to identify what you’ve dug, and catalog and keep the artifact that has been protected by earth for years. For all of those reasons, you should try volunteering for an archaeological dig.
Oftentimes Universities, government organizations, or nonprofits will look for volunteers to help with archaeological digs. They provide the knowledge and tools, you provide the labor and get an experience of a lifetime. You’ll also get a ton of experience if you’re looking to get into the field more permanently. Try websites like these if you’re looking for opportunities
https://www.passportintime.com/
https://archaeologyfieldwork.com/
https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/fieldwork/
Find Arrowheads on Native American Soil
If you would rather dig on your own, you can still find one of the most widely available pieces of American history – arrowheads. For thousands of years before gunpowder was brought to American shores, natives hunted using bows and arrows or spears. This left many arrowheads across the United States that have never been found.
It’s certainly rare to find them, but not at all impossible. Try looking for creeks or other areas that get washed over in a good rain. This creates erosion that moves dirt and can bring artifacts buried deep up towards the surface. You can also look at freshly plowed fields, near springs, or in rock outcroppings. Anywhere that has been known to have any native activity in the past is good. Look for shards of clay or shapen rock that might signify human tools were discarded in the area.
Rent/Buy A Metal Detector
If you’ve ever visited a public beach you’ve probably seen people using metal detectors to find lost jewelry. While that’s certainly lucrative, it’s not the only time you can use metal detectors to find things that have been forgotten and buried. They can detect metal up to a foot deep, and oftentimes things like coins and bullets can be found at that depth.
Battlefields or other historical encampments are great locations as there is a plethora of things that get left being in the heat of war. You can also look along creek beds where artifacts may have washed ashore. Any freshly plowed field will also have dirt tilled where it’s easy to dig and the artifacts below may have worked towards the surface.
You can rent or buy a metal detector. Surprisingly, entry-level models aren’t too expensive such as this detector from Bass Pro Shops which has good reviews for only $199.
Fossil Hunt on Beaches
While a lot of people are looking for forgotten jewelry on beaches, you should look instead for fossils amongst the shells. While not immediately valuable, fossils from thousands of years ago wash up on beaches everyday. You just have to be lucky enough to find them!
Generally, anywhere around rocky structures is a little better area than just a nice, flat beach-front. Look for rocks and colors that are abnormal which might signify it isn’t among the natural rock found in the area. Split open anything that looks off if you can and you may find fossils inside!
Go Geocaching
The above are great ways to find historical artifacts, but you’re not guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. Geocaching on the other hand is searching for a treasure that you know exists in a specific location. People all over the world hide geocaches, some with historical significance, in campgrounds, hiking trails, or other public places for people to find.
You’ll want to go to the geocaching website or download the Geocaching app. From there, you can set only geocaches in historically significant areas and look through what is available. Most times if the geocache contains some type of historic artifact, the clues or summary of the geocache will alert you. It’s great for kids in particular, as you’re guaranteed to find something as long as you follow the directions to the right spot!
Conclusion
Hands-on history is the best type of history. Share this post with your friends and family so you have something more interesting and exciting next time you want your history fix than a stuffy museum. If you do actually dig up history, make sure to share it with us in the comments below!