Ever dreamt of unearthing treasures in Missouri’s silent towns? Which ghostly locale will reveal its secrets to you?
One of my friends, who lives in Missouri, is interested in treasure hunting and asked me about places he could go and experience new things.
So I suggested the ghost towns that I visited during my last trip to Missouri where I was able to gather lots of treasures.
He asked me to join too and before we visited I made a list of possible Ghost towns to metal detect based on the suggestions of my friendly local detectorists in Missouri.
I wanted to share it with you all too.
So here is the list of Best Ghost Towns in Missouri to Metal Detect,
- Times Beach
- Arlington
- Bloodland
- Avilla
- Red Oak
- Saint Annie
- Wakenda
But there’s a lot more to know about each of those ghost towns!
In this article, I’ll explore all the best ghost towns in Missouri to metal detect and the possible treasures you could find from each location.
Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.
The journey begins!
Is Metal Detecting Legal in Missouri Ghost Towns?
Yes, Metal Detecting is Legal in Missouri Ghost Towns. Anyways, Regulations for metal detecting in Missouri’s abandoned towns vary depending on the ownership, historical value, and environmental concerns.
It’s important to learn about and abide by local rules and regulations before getting started with metal detecting.
This can entail requesting permission from private landowners, looking for designations as historical preservation sites, and making sure you use ethical metal detecting techniques to preserve the local ecology and historical value.
To prevent legal problems and to responsibly engage in this activity, always get the necessary licenses and permits.
Best Ghost Towns in Missouri to Metal Detect
An abandoned town with no people is referred to as a “ghost town.” Sometimes though these places have been abandoned for a while, they frequently still feature roads, ruins, and sometimes buildings.
Well-maintained ghost towns may even include the now-dust-covered possessions of former residents.
Numerous abandoned communities, extinct towns, and former colonies may be found in Missouri.
Let me list down the strange and occasionally spooky histories, locations, and finds of eight lost and abandoned ghost towns in Missouri.
1. Times Beach
Location and History
The Times Beach ghost town, an abandoned site, is situated on the Meramec River flood plain, 17 miles south of St. Louis.
It was established in 1925 and turned into a vacation destination. However, the Great Depression made it a location for homes for middle-class to low-income families.
In 1982, the Missouri Society of Times Beach experienced the biggest environmental catastrophe in US history.
Without realizing it, residents had hired someone to spray waste oil and dioxin around the roadways as a dust reducer.
The toxin extended to the town’s natural groundwater and water sources when there was a significant flood. Residents of Times Beach carried on with their daily lives despite the dust.
Read to know the Best Places to Metal Detect in Missouri!
Metal Detecting Finds
Metal-detecting hobbyists have discovered several intriguing artifacts in the park after it was cleaned up and turned into Route 66 State Park.
In the old Times Beach neighborhood, some significant metal-detecting discoveries include,
- Vintage Coins- Early 20th-century wheat pennies, silver dimes, quarters, and other vintage coins have all been found by metal detectorists.
- Antique Jewelry- Some metal detecting enthusiasts have discovered old rings, brooches, and pendants that may have belonged to locals or tourists in the past.
- Military artifacts and relics- Considering the historical setting, it is possible that soldiers or locals with military ties left behind items like buttons, badges, and dog tags as a memento.
Check out the Best State Parks in Missouri to Metal Detect!
2. Arlington
Location and History
Arlington, which was founded in 1867, was formerly a well-liked river resort community along the original Route 66 in South Central Missouri.
The village included a post office, general shop, pharmacy store, and hotel in addition to the resort, which offered cabins, a spring-fed pool, and tennis courts.
The town of Arlington saw a drop in prosperity once Route 66 was diverted away from it. And it was almost completely deserted by the late 1960s.
This occurred as a result of I-44 totally excluding the town.
There are now very few people living in the nearby residences, but no companies exist. However, you may detour off the main road and go down an abandoned section of Route 66.
Metal Detecting Finds
Arlington provides an opportunity for metal-detecting hobbyists to uncover intriguing discoveries.
Here are some possible top metal-detecting findings in Arlington that I’ve collected during my sessions,
- Relics from the Civil War– Arlington has a history that includes involvement in the conflict, and metal detecting has turned up items from that era such Civil War-era bullets, belt buckles, and other relics.
- Native American artifacts- There has historically been a Native American presence in Arlington, and metal detectors have turned up items such arrowheads, pieces of pottery, and tools.
- Vintage Bottles and Glassware- Various vintage bottles, pieces of glass, and pottery dating to previous times have been discovered; these discoveries frequently point to the presence of prior communities.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Missouri!
3. Bloodland
Location and History
The historic village, of Bloodland was first established as a tiny military hamlet in 1898.
In 1941, it was still in use. The neighborhood’s name comes from Mr. Blood, the land’s owner.
Eventually, the village was leveled to make way for Ft. Leonard Wood. 304 landowners and locals were upset and evacuated as a result.
Metal Detecting Finds
Listed below are some possible findings you can detect.
- Civil War Artifacts– Because the American Civil War has such a rich history, it’s possible to discover artifacts like bullets, uniform buttons, belt buckles, or even armament parts.
- Native American Artifacts– Due to the lengthy history of Native American habitation in Missouri, metal detecting may turn up arrowheads, stone tools, pottery fragments, or other artifacts from their cultures.
- Farming Equipment- Due to the rural nature of Bloodland, you may come across lost or abandoned farming tools and equipment, such as worn-out plow pieces, horseshoes, or harness buckles.
4. Avilla
Location and History
Similar to Arlington, the town of Avilla perished mostly as a result of Route 66’s rerouting.
The village is a well-known ghost town along the ancient road even though it only has about 100 people.
The region was colonized in the 1830s and 1840s, and Avilla was established there in 1856.
However, following the Second World War, people relocated closer to big cities for industrial work, which caused the area to start declining.
Despite being vacant, many of the structures are still intact and provide an intriguing look into the past. This is an extremely intriguing option for Missouri’s ghost towns.
Metal Detecting Finds
Let me list down the possible metal-detecting finds here.
- Early settlement artifacts- Since Avilla was founded in the middle of the 1800s, it’s possible to discover coins, jewelry, tools, or household goods from this time period.
- Lost Treasures- Avilla, like many locations with a lengthy history, is the subject of folklore and tales of lost treasures. Even though these tales frequently draw from mythology, you never know what you could find.
- Civil War artifacts- During the Civil War, Avilla was a crucial place that saw several engagements and skirmishes. Bullets, buttons, buckles, and other war-related objects might be discovered.
5. Red Oak
Location and History
Red Oak, which was once a charming tiny hamlet 20 miles northeast of Carthage, rapidly turned into one of Missouri’s ghost towns after failing to thrive.
You’ll be relieved to learn that this location is one of the most intriguing ghost towns in Missouri, as it has evolved into a sort of contemporary tourist destination.
The town was founded in 1877 as a small agricultural community but was formally abandoned in 1922.
After becoming weary of the hustle and bustle of Dallas, artist Lowell Davis made the decision to buy a dilapidated farm here, despite the region having been vacant for decades.
Metal Detecting Finds
Another location with a lot of potential for metal-detecting findings is Red Oak.
The following are some potential finds you could come across when metal detecting in Red Oak:
- Coins and tokens- In addition to discovering contemporary coins, you could also come across earlier coins like wheat pennies, silver dimes, or, with luck, rare coins.
- Jewelry- With the help of a metal detector, you may locate missing rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other items of jewelry. Keep an eye out for any gold, silver, or other valuables.
- Farming tools and equipment- Because the region is predominantly agricultural, it’s possible to locate antique farming tools or equipment that was misplaced or discarded over time.
6. Saint Annie
Location and History
A thriving oil complex that employed many of the locals of Saint Annie and gave the community the moniker “Gulf City” previously stood in Saint Annie.
The saint Annie, the mother of the Virgin Mary, is honored by the name of the little village in Laclede County.
The town was established in 1878 when a post office was established, although the exact date and reasons for its dissolution are unknown.
In and around the unorganized region, people still reside.
Metal Detecting Finds
Let me list down the possible metal-detecting finds here.
- Relics– Depending on the region’s past, you may uncover relics like buttons, buckles, or even pieces of obsolete tools or technology.
- Artifacts from the Civil War– Due to Missouri’s extensive involvement in the conflict, it is possible to come across bullets, uniform buttons, belt buckles, and other relics from that time period.
- Tokens and medals- On sometimes, you could come upon tokens or medals from past local events, enterprises, or organizations.
7. Wakenda
Location and History
After the Missouri River flooded the region twice between 1993 and 1995, Wakenda was abandoned. A post office was created in 1876 after the town’s platting in 1869.
The streets have turned into farm fields with a meager collection of abandoned buildings, trucks, and farm equipment, even though the town’s plan is still discernible on GPS maps.
Metal Detecting Finds
- Tools and Machinery components- Depending on the history of the location, you may come across ancient tools, machinery components, or equipment relics.
- Relics– Look for remnants like bullet casings, uniform insignia, or anything connected to regional historical occurrences.
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best ghost towns in Missouri to metal detect based on my personal experiences and suggestions from local treasure hunters in Missouri.
Now I’m going to share with you several tips that helped me to find treasures when metal detecting in ghost towns in Missour.
Some of the below tips were gathered from locals who are professional detectorists.
Tips for Successful Metal Detecting in Missouri Ghost Towns
If you are interested in metal detecting in ghost towns in Missouri I will give you some simple tips that I have followed and that have helped me.
- The first thing you should do is do some research to identify ghost towns in Missouri that have historical significance before going metal detecting.
- Then check the regulations given for metal detection in your chosen cities and get permission.
- Be sure to use a quality metal detector suitable for your chosen terrain.
- Of particular note is whether the weather and terrain conditions are conducive to your metal detecting.
- Be careful not to disturb the environment or damage any structures while searching for hidden treasures.
- After you make a find, keep a detailed record of your find, including its location, depth, and type of object.
- You can join metal detecting clubs in Missouri to find further details about ghost towns from the locals who live near those towns.
If you’re new to metal detecting, remember that metal detecting isn’t just about finding valuables, it’s also about connecting with history and preserving the past.
Wakenda, Missouri, became a ghost town after being flooded twice by the Missouri River in the 1990s
www.voxmagazine.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Are there any popular ghost towns in Texas for metal detecting?
Yes, some of the popular ghost towns for metal detecting in Texas are Lobo, Indianola, Terlingua, and Sherwood, among others, as mentioned in the article above.
Is metal detecting legal in all ghost towns in Texas?
Not necessarily, the legality of metal detecting in Texas ghost towns depends on specific regulations and property ownership; acquiring permission from property owners or relevant authorities is a must.
What precautions should one take before metal detecting in Texas ghost towns?
Before heading out, make sure to conduct thorough research about the chosen location, obtain necessary permissions, and gather essential supplies including a reliable metal detector and safety gear.
Are there any tips for successful metal detecting in these areas?
Yes, ensure to detect systematically starting from high traffic areas, respect the location by not damaging historical objects, and maintain cleanliness by picking up garbage.
What should be done if an artifact older than 100 years is found?
If you suspect an artifact is more than 100 years old, you should notify the state archeological department with detailed information and pictures.
Can you keep the objects you find while metal detecting in these ghost towns?
No, removing objects found during metal detecting from the site is prohibited; you are required to report your finds to relevant authorities.
Did I Cover all you wanted to know about: Best Ghost Towns in Missouri to Metal Detect
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best ghost towns in Missouri to metal detect and their exact locations and possible treasures you can find with tips and techniques.
Best ghost towns in Missouri for metal detecting include Times Beach, Arlington, Bloodland, Avilla, Red Oak, Saint Annie, and Wakenda. These towns offer a rich history and potential for discovering vintage coins, Civil War artifacts, and other historical relics. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions and follow local regulations.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to know about the best ghost towns in Missouri to metal detect in detail.
Whether you’re from Missouri or from outside, now it’s time to pack your stuff, take the metal detector, and travel to the ghost town like a pro treasure hunter.
