Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in Georgia’s rich soil? Let’s unearth the secrets together!
Georgia is a hotspot for metal-detecting enthusiasts because it boasts more than 50 state parks, beaches, and mountains.
A couple of years ago, one of my friends suggested that I travel to Georgia for several metal-detecting sessions.
Before visiting, I conducted extensive research on the locations and potential finds.
Consequently, I managed to find many valuables, greatly aided by the assistance of local detectorists in Georgia.
According to my experience, here are the Best metal detecting finds in Georgia,
- Lost and Buried Treasure
- Civil War Relics
- Gold Coins and Jewelry
- Native American Artifacts
- Historic Plantation Site Artifacts
- Colonial-era Relics
But there’s a lot more to know including the places!
I’ve found multiple treasures when metal detecting in Georgia since the weather and environment were great for the activity.
Join me in this article as I further discuss the best metal detecting finds in Georgia with the places to find them.
Let’s journey in!
Best Metal Detecting Finds in Georgia
Georgia is a great state with a rich history and amazing beauty. It is said that Georgia is hiding a large number of Civil War artifacts.
There’s a legend that I’ve heard many times that the Confederacy buried treasure in Georgia to protect it from the Union Army. Others are just waiting to be uncovered.
So I will go deeper on what you can find and where to look when metal detecting.
1. Lost and Buried Treasure
The Pirate Treasure of Tybee Island and the Lost Confederate Gold are just two of the many legendary buried treasures tied to Georgia.
Although these tales can’t be confirmed, they caused a flurry of activity as metal detectorists like me explore the state in search of legendary wealth.
Here are the places I’ve searched when metal detecting to find lost treasure in Georgia,
Tybee Island
Georgia’s Tybee Island is a barrier island with a rich maritime and pirate history.
Metal detectorists flock to the island by legends of buried pirate treasure in the dunes and along the shore.
In my experience, metal detecting on Tybee Island’s beaches can turn up old coins, artifacts, and antiques, but it can’t prove that there’s any buried pirate fortune.
According to the experts, Tybee Island’s beaches are one of the best beaches in Georgia to metal detect.
Face Mountain
I’ve heard the North Georgia Mountain peak known as Face Mountain has hidden Native American treasure.
While I did search this area, this lovely summit offers very few metal detecting finds but I did make good money with those finds.
Mulberry Grove Plantation
In Savannah, on Mulberry Grove Plantation, lived the cotton gin inventor Eli Whitney. Many stories about gold and artifacts gather on this land.
There could be major treasures at Mulberry Grove Plantation, which can be found by metal detecting.
Lithonia
Union soldiers reportedly took $6 million in gold, silver, and jewelry in the battle of Atlanta.
In Lithonia, 10 miles east of Atlanta, it was said to be buried. The troops were hanged for stealing.
There is a possible chance to find treasures there if you put an effort.
2. Civil War Relics
In Georgia, metal detectorists found Civil War bullets, buttons, belt buckles, and weapons. In my opinion, these are popular near Kennesaw Mountain and Fort Pulaski.
These are the areas where I went metal detecting to find Civil War relics in Georgia.
Fort Pulaski
An old fort built far from Savannah that saw conflict during the Civil War.
Musket balls, uniform buttons, and artillery shell fragments may be found with a metal detector and provide insight into the fort’s past.
Fort McAllister
On the Ogeechee River, there is a Confederate fort named Fort McAllister.
If you are a metal detectorist like me you may find Civil War artifacts like buttons and bullets from battles near the fort.
Kennesaw Mountain
A big Civil War took place there.
Since metal detecting is not allowed in the park, I decided to search nearby private property with permission and I did find Civil War bullets, buttons, and other artifacts.
Check out the Best Places to Metal Detect in Georgia!
3. Gold Coins and Jewelry
The history of the gold rush in Georgia is famous. Gold coins, jewelry, and nuggets are being found by metal detectorists in areas like Graves Mountain, which was a major gold mining town years ago.
These are places you need to go metal detecting to find gold coins and jewelry in Georgia.
St. Andrews Beach Park
There is a coastal park in Savannah called St. Andrews Beach Park.
I suggest you search the seashore with a metal detector for hidden riches, but make sure to check the rules before digging.
Amicalola Creek
Amicalola Creek is a lovely place where many people love to go fishing and kayaking.
I did search the creek banks for gold and jewelry in allowed recreation areas and did find some pieces of gold.
Anderson Creek
There are lots of chances to go camping and other outdoor activities around Anderson Creek.
In my opinion camping and picnic spots are great places to use metal detectors to hunt for treasures like old coins and jewelry.
Graves Mountain
Graves Mountain is well-known for its pyrite crystals and possibly gold mines.
If you want to go metal detecting or mining for rare gems, I advise you to get permission from the landowner beforehand.
4. Native American Artifacts
Native Americans have lived in this state for many years.
You should know that nearby old Native American sites, metal detectorists like me have found arrowheads, pottery shards, and other items.
Here are some places where I went metal detecting for Native American artifacts in Georgia.
Etowah Indian Mounds
Mounds and items from old Native Americans can be seen at Etowah Indian Mounds.
While metal detecting within the mounds is illegal, in my experience it can be possible to find Native American items in the area around them.
Sapelo Island
There are Native American shell mounds and historical sites on Sapelo Island, a barrier island.
Permission to go metal detecting changes by location, so I highly recommend that you look into the laws there.
The Georgia Gold Belt
Gold mining and the settlement of Native Americans both played important roles in the growth of the Georgia Gold Belt.
I advise you to search for gold and artifacts in waterways while being aware of landowner rights and environmental laws.
5. Historic Plantation Site Artifacts
From what I know of the ruins of old plantations in Georgia, metal detectorists have uncovered old coins and artifacts, showing details about the state’s early history.
Here are some places where you can find historic plantation site artifacts in Georgia.
Cannon’s Point Preserve
Cannon’s Point Preserve is found on St. Simons Island and was once the site of a plantation.
In my opinion, the surroundings may be explored by metal detecting near the ruins of the plantation which could lead to artifacts that shed light into earlier life.
Hill Plantation
From what I have experienced, the Hickory Hill Plantation is a location in Thomson, Georgia, where people have the chance to investigate the plantation site and use metal detectors to find out more about the long history of Southern plantations.
Berry College
If you’ve got an interest in history and metal detecting, I highly recommend the Rome campus.
Berry College is home to several old structures you might want to take a look out.
Marthasville Plantation
Close to Stone Mountain, at an amazing and historically important location, is the Marthasville Plantation.
With the correct permission and in my years of experience in metal detecting I can guarantee that metal detecting can be a fun chance to find out something new as well as discover about the past’s secrets.
6. Colonial-era Relics
Savannah as well as other coastal cities was found to have artifacts from the colonial period, so you can find things valuable like coins, buttons, and jewelry.
There are the places you need to go when metal detecting to find colonial-era relics in Georgia.
Savannah
This is an old town with origins in the early American colonial period.
In my opinion, it is possible for you to find artifacts from the Colonial era that can shed more insight into the beginnings of settlement if you go looking in public parks, old neighborhoods, and historic areas.
Darien
An old port city with a lot of Colonial starting points as well as an important maritime history.
I suggest that you look for artifacts from the Colonial era by searching with a metal detector in abandoned neighborhoods, along waterways, and even in parks.
Old Fort Jackson
Built in the 18th century, this fort has Colonial roots.
From my experience, you should try your hand at metal detecting all around the fort along with its surrounding area to find artifacts from the Colonial era’s military age.
Old Town Brunswick
A city on the coast with a strong Colonial history as well as deep ties to the sea.
I can guarantee that you will find amazing things if you search for artifacts with a Colonial-era vibe by using a metal detector in historic downtown areas, on docks, and at many other points of interest.
That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best metal detecting finds in Georgia with all the possible locations they could find.
Apart from the above treasures, there’s a high chance of detecting some other metallic items as well since Georgia has such a wonderful history.
Now I’m going to share with you some tips that will make your metal detecting process in Georgia a lot easier since all of them are based on my practical experiences in Georgia.
Some other tips were gathered from experienced local metal detectorists in Georgia.
Just keep reading!
Tips for Metal Detecting in Georgia
As someone who has enjoyed metal detecting since I was young, I can confirm the reality that it is a passion that can pay off nicely in Georgia, with a chance of finding artifacts and treasures that shed more light on the state’s historic past.
Here are a couple of things that you should keep in mind if you are planning to take part in metal detecting in Georgia:
- When it has to do with metal detecting, Georgia has a great deal of limits and laws. So I suggest you make sure that you’re following the law to the last letter. It will help you avoid expensive fines.
- You must know that metal detecting is strictly forbidden on any of the state-owned properties.
- Speaking from my experience, if you are planning to take part in metal detecting on any of the federal grounds in Georgia, you’re going to need a federal permit.
- From what I know, only with the land owner’s clear permission in writing can metal detecting and artifact collecting be carried out on privately owned land.
- In my opinion, it is necessary for you to find out who owns the area before metal detecting in waterways or along beaches, because the owner of the land could either be private or government.
- If you want to know where in Georgia there have been discovered sites of archaeological importance, you should check the Georgia Archaeological Site File.
- If you happen to make any archaeological discoveries I advise you to notify the right authorities. In order to do this, you’ll need to get in touch with the University of Georgia Laboratory of Archaeology.
- Those who are involved with the field of archaeology and have all the required permits and approvals are freed from certain limits, among them those regarding the use of metal detecting gear.
- In my years of experience, a university’s anthropology department, the Society for Georgia Archaeology, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources through photography, or a local library’s research area are among the best places to start when trying to find out the exact nature of a mystery artifact found using metal detecting.
- Once you decide that you are interested in going metal detecting across towns, cities or even countries you’re going to have to make sure that you have the necessary permits and approvals from each one.
- From what I’ve experienced while metal detecting is permitted in city parks, the use of shovels along with other digging tools is banned. As a result, you’re going to have to make do with anything you are able to locate on the surface.
- I recommend that you get involved with a local metal detecting club in Georgia. You can grow as a metal detectorist and gain a greater knowledge of the rules and regulations by joining one of these clubs and talking with the people there.
Georgia, in my opinion, is an amazing option for your metal-detecting needs.
The state of Georgia is perfect for this activity due to its lovely surroundings, rich history, pleasant weather, and liberal legislation.
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What are some popular finds while metal detecting in Georgia?
In Georgia, some of the popular finds include Civil War relics such as bullets and buttons, Native American artifacts like pottery shards and arrowheads, and valuable items such as gold coins and jewelry, which are primarily found in areas with a rich historical background.
Where can I possibly find Civil War relics in Georgia?
You have a good chance of finding Civil War relics in areas such as Fort Pulaski, Fort McAllister, and around Kennesaw Mountain, where significant battles and activities took place during the Civil War period.
Are there any legendary treasures associated with Georgia?
Yes, Georgia is home to legends of buried treasures like the Pirate Treasure of Tybee Island and the Lost Confederate Gold. While these tales are not confirmed, they continue to attract treasure enthusiasts to the state.
Is metal detecting allowed in Georgia’s state parks?
No, metal detecting is strictly prohibited on state-owned properties in Georgia. It is recommended to always research and comply with the state’s laws and regulations to avoid any fines or penalties.
Do I need permission to metal detect on private lands in Georgia?
Yes, before venturing out to privately owned lands for metal detecting in Georgia, you must secure written permission from the landowner to legally conduct your activities.
Are there any recommended locations for finding gold coins and jewelry in Georgia?
Yes, locations such as St. Andrews Beach Park, Amicalola Creek, and Graves Mountain are popular spots where you might find gold coins, jewelry, and potentially rare gems while metal detecting.
Can I metal detect near historical sites in Georgia?
While it is generally prohibited to metal detect within historic and archaeological sites, you can explore the surrounding areas, but always ensure to adhere to the laws and respect land ownership rights.
How can I enhance my metal detecting experience in Georgia?
To enhance your metal detecting experience in Georgia, consider joining a local metal-detecting club. These clubs provide opportunities for learning, networking, and staying updated with the rules and best practices in the hobby.
What should I do if I find an archaeological artifact while metal detecting in Georgia?
In case you stumble upon an archaeological artifact during your metal detecting expeditions in Georgia, it is advised to notify the relevant authorities, such as the University of Georgia Laboratory of Archaeology, to report your findings.
Are there opportunities to find Native American artifacts in Georgia?
Yes, you have the opportunity to find Native American artifacts, especially around areas like the Etowah Indian Mounds and Sapelo Island. However, remember that collecting from the actual sites is illegal and one must always respect the historical and cultural significance of these sites.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal Detecting Finds in Georgia
In this article, I’ve deeply explored the best metal detecting finds in Georgia including some expert tips that will take your treasure-hunting knowledge in Georgia to the next level.
The best metal detecting finds in Georgia are Civil War relics, gold coins, and Native American artifacts. Popular locations for these finds include Fort Pulaski, Kennesaw Mountain, and St. Andrews Beach Park. Always adhere to state laws and regulations while engaging in metal detecting activities.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to know about the bets metals detecting finds in Georgia in detail without any doubt.
If you’re in Georgia it’s time to book your next trip to the locations mentioned in this article and start the treasure-hunting journey like a pro!