Ever found a piece of history buried beneath your feet? Discover Maryland’s hidden treasures waiting to narrate untold stories. Dive in!
Maryland is a state that has a fascinating history beginning with the first settlers in the 17th century.
The state served as a trade, commerce, and government center during the colonial era.
Today, there are many cultural landmarks and historical sites that still emphasize and preserve the past of the state.
So when it comes to metal detecting in Maryland, the detectorists will be able to find a lot of objects that were owned by the previous generations.
I was able to visit Maryland several times and able to gather awesome treasures with the help of local expert detectorists in Maryland.
Based on my experience and the info I gathered from local detectorists, let me introduce you to the treasures you can commonly find in Maryland grounds when treasure hunting.
Here are the best metal detecting finds in Maryland,
- Civil war artifacts
- Native American artifacts
- Coins
- Household items
- Jewelry
But that’s just a quick snapshot of the question!
In this article, I’ll explore the best metal detecting finds in Maryland with all the locations you can find them.
Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.
Let’s dig in!
Best Metal Detecting Finds In Maryland
Metal detecting in Maryland is always helpful for researchers and archaeologists as it helps them uncover the lost history of Maryland.
The state has many sites that have witnessed major historical events.
Therefore, it is a good place where metal detectorists can come across some amazing finds.
1. Civil War Artifacts
Maryland was a border state during the Civil War. It played a major role in the conflict.
So there are many Civil War artifacts around Maryland located at different places which were battlegrounds and camping sites of the army.
Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is located in Sharpsburg, Maryland. This battlefield area was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
Around 23,000 soldiers took part in this battle. The fight took place on September 17, 1862. The battle happened for about 12 hours.
There are a lot of artifacts displayed here and some areas allow metal detecting.
Musket balls and bullets are the most common objects that are metal detected here.
The battlefield is maintained by the National Park Service and metal detectorists have to get their permission.
Monocacy National Battlefield
The Monocacy National Battlefield is located in Frederick, Maryland.
This location preserves the site of a key Civil War battle that was fought.
This is the location where the Union forces were able to delay Confederate troops from reaching Washington DC.
Metal detectorists who have permission from the authorities can detect the area to find many war artifacts including musket balls, bullets, and buckles.
Clara Barton National Historic Site
The Clara Barton National Historic Site is located in Glen Echo, Maryland. It was the home of Clara Barton who is the founder of the Red Cross.
The site was used to treat many wounded soldiers on the front line.
So there are a lot of chances of losing things at this location. Gold stars attached to the uniforms, dog tags, buckles, and many other items are among them.
The surrounding area except the exhibit area is open for detection with a permission letter and a few rules.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in West Virginia and Maryland.
During the time of the Civil War, the town was controlled by Union and Confederate forces on a swiping system. It was a key site of the raid that occurred in 1859.
The park has a very large area that includes historic homes and buildings.
There are also hiking trails and river shore which would be the best spots to detect metal.
Ask the park authorities for permission before detecting.
2. Native American Artifacts
Maryland has a history that runs back to a thousand years with Native Americans.
When the first-ever European contact occurred in Maryland, it was the home to many Native American tribes.
These tribes include Nanticoke, Conoy, and Piscataway.
The tribes relied on hunting, fishing, and farming and also had their own traditions and cultures. They have used metals to create tools for these purposes.
Accokeek Foundation’s National Colonial Farm
Accokeek Foundation’s National Colonial Farm site located in Accokeek gives an opportunity to explore the history of Native American people and their adherence to Maryland.
Visitors are able to learn about the role that they have played in the colonial period and their contributions to history.
This area has a lot of evidence of their lifestyle and culture. Therefore, the location has a chance of finding many artifacts related to the Native Americans.
Jefferson Patterson Park And Museum
Jefferson Patterson Park And Museum park is located in St. Leonard, Maryland. It was one of the most important Native American cultural resource centers. The site has a history of 11,000 years.
The park itself is a place where native Americans lived and formed the tribes. So there is a potential of finding rewarding objects.
You have to obtain a permit to metal detect the park area.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park has a lot of areas that are occupied by the Native Americans. All of the relics here belong to the 17th and 18th centuries.
There are trails that can be walked along while exploring all these relics and historical locations.
Some of the areas in this park are not open for metal detecting as those areas belong to the archeological authorities.
You can discuss with the park management on metal detecting if you are interested in exploring there.
3. Coins
Maryland is typically not the best location to detect coins. But there are some places where coins can be detected.
It is a state that began to be established in the 17th century. So a lot of coins could not be expected.
The areas like river banks, beaches, and trails which have been used as trade and immigration routes are the best locations to metal detect coins.
Roman and Byzantine coins are the common coins that can be found.
St. Mary’s City
This city is located in St. Mary’s County and it was the Maryland capital in the 17th century. Also, it was the first Catholic settlement in the USA.
Metal detectorists can detect coins around historic buildings and gardens such as the State House and the St. Mary’s Chapel.
Historic Annapolis
This is the capital of the state and home to a vast number of historic buildings. There are so many old streets with old shops.
These are filled with crowds up to date.
The waterfront and the harbor are other locations where coins dating from the colonial era have been found.
Deep Creek Lake Park
Deep Creek Lake Park is located in Oakland, Maryland. It is a 1,800-acre park that also includes a 3,900-acre lake surrounded by mountains.
This park offers space for many activities including fishing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
The location where people can be located the most is the best location to detect coins. A permit is required to metal detect the park and the lake area.
Deep Creek Lake park is one of my favorite and one of the best metal detecting places in Maryland because of its ease of metal detecting.
Sandy Point State Park
Sandy Point State Park is located at the Chesapeake Bay and it is a popular place among people for picnicking and coin hunters.
The park has a sandy beach with shallow water which is perfect for metal detecting.
Patapsco Valley State Park
This park covers around 32 miles along the Patapsco River. The park features a variety of trails, historic sites, and recreational areas that can be explored.
The park was home to many old mill towns and mining sites which are ideal for coin detecting.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National is a national park and it is the home to a beautiful barrier island that stretches for about 37 miles along the coast of Maryland.
The beach is so very popular among all of the people around and is visited frequently. So it is a great spot to find some coins.
4. Household Items
Metal household items have been used in Maryland since the colonial era. Many of the early settlers bought metal pots and pans with them.
These were so important for them as they were durable.
By the 19th century, brass hardware such as door knobs and candle holders were widely available and used.
Today, antique household items remain popular with some collectors throughout the country and many people enjoy incorporating them into their modern homes.
Fort Frederick State Park
This is a state park located in Washington County, Maryland. It was built in the 18th century to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
A few designated areas here are allowed for metal detecting and detectorists have to obtain permission from the park.
Old Town, Alexandria
Alexandria is a historic district which is located across the Potomac River from Maryland.
It features the architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries and it is home to several historic sites.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain areas. And permission should be taken from the city authorities to detect.
Sotterley plantation, Hollywood
Sotterley plantation is a historic site that preserves the slavery historical era in America.
The resident areas and the surroundings will give an opportunity for the metal detectorists to search for old metal households used by the slaves and other residents of the area.
Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State Park is a park located in Scotland, Maryland. It’s a popular location among metal-detecting enthusiasts.
The park is located along Chesapeake Beach and it also has a beach, picnic areas, and walking trails. This was a previous residence area of the early settlers.
With permission from the park, metal detectorists can explore this location and search for old household items.
5. Jewelry
Maryland has a rich history to do with jewelry. It was once the center of American jewelry production.
The first people to make jewelry here were the Native Americans. They used copper for jewelry making.
The wealthy settlers later on owned expensive jewelry including gold and silver. It gradually became the center of jewelry production.
Industries and companies were formed to produce jewelry that anyone could wear.
Assateague Island National Seashore
This is a historic site located at Maryland’s easternmost point. It has beautiful beaches that span over 37 miles.
The area is known to have lost jewelry items like rings, earrings, and necklaces.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park has a history of old settlements, mills, and Native American villages. It is one of the oldest state parks in Maryland.
Metal detecting here is restricted to certain locations of the park with certain permits and permission.
If you’re interested in metal detecting in Maryland state parks, read, Best State Parks in Maryland to Metal Detect!
Annapolis
This city has a long history that dates back to the colonial era. The state house and the waterfront are some locations where the wealthiest people lived.
They were wearing the finest and most modest jewelry back then. This would provide a greater chance to uncover the valuable jewelry finds in this city.
Keep in mind that some areas are not allowed for metal detecting or need a permit for metal detecting.
That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best metal detecting finds in Maryland with locations they can possibly find.
Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve learned during my metal detecting sessions in Maryland.
The below tips helped me to find cool treasures in Maryland. Likewise, they’ll help you as well even if you’re from Maryland or an outsider who is planning to go there.
Some of the below tips were gathered by interviewing some expert local detectorists in Maryland.
So, just keep reading!
Tips For Metal Detecting In Maryland
Here are some tips in brief that can be useful while metal detecting in Maryland,
Research The History Of The Area
Before you head out, take some time to learn about the area that you are going to detect.
Maps, old photos, and old records will be helpful in understanding about the events that happened there.
Get Permission
It is important to obtain permission from the owners of the properties before starting metal detecting.
Trespassing is illegal and probably leads to legal issues.
Use Better Equipment
It is better to use equipment that will be suitable for the objects that you are planning to detect.
Look for a detector that has multiple setting options so that it would be convenient to change them according to the type of metals or objects.
Be Responsible
Metal detecting is a way to discover history and learn about the past.
So make sure you respect the land and leave it as you found it. When you dig, do it carefully.
Use a small scoop to avoid the damage that can happen to the objects.
If you’re interested in learning more about finds, better to join a metal-detecting club in Maryland and engage with the audience to find the treasure-hunting secrets.
A rare silver shilling coin from 1633-1634, discovered at St. Mary’s Fort in Maryland, offered archaeologists key insights, highlighting the fort as one of the earliest English settlements in the New World.
www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What types of artifacts can be found in Maryland through metal detecting?
In Maryland, metal detecting enthusiasts can uncover a variety of artifacts, including Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, coins from various eras, antique household items, and lost jewelry.
Is permission required to metal detect at historical sites in Maryland?
Yes, metal detecting at historical sites in Maryland typically requires permission from the respective authorities or property owners, ensuring the preservation and respect of historical and cultural heritage.
Where are Civil War artifacts commonly found in Maryland?
Civil War artifacts in Maryland are often found at historical battlefields such as Antietam National Battlefield and Monocacy National Battlefield, where permissions are required for metal detecting.
What are some notable sites to find Native American artifacts?
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum and Accokeek Foundation’s National Colonial Farm are notable sites where enthusiasts can potentially uncover Native American artifacts, with the necessary permits.
Can coins be found while metal detecting in Maryland?
Yes, although Maryland isn’t particularly noted for coin finds, places like riverbanks, trails, and historic sites like St. Mary’s City and Historic Annapolis offer opportunities to discover coins dating back to colonial times.
Is there a possibility of finding jewelry through metal detecting in the state?
Certainly, areas like Assateague Island National Seashore and Annapolis are known spots where detectorists have the opportunity to find lost or buried jewelry items, with appropriate permissions.
Are there specific tools or equipment recommended for metal detecting in Maryland?
It’s advisable to use metal detectors with multiple setting options to adapt to the varied types of metals and objects that can be found in Maryland’s diverse detecting terrains.
How important is it to research an area before metal detecting in Maryland?
Research is crucial to understand the historical context of an area in Maryland, which aids in targeting locations with higher potentials for valuable finds and adhering to legal and ethical guidelines.
Are there clubs or communities for metal detecting enthusiasts in Maryland?
While the article doesn’t mention specific clubs, joining a metal detecting club or community in Maryland can provide support, shared experiences, and expertise to both novice and experienced detectorists.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal Detecting Finds In Maryland
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best metal detecting finds in Maryland in detail with the areas where they can be found with historical facts.
Best metal detecting finds in Maryland include Civil War artifacts at Antietam and Monocacy National Battlefields, Native American relics at Jefferson Patterson Park, colonial coins in St. Mary’s City, antique household items at Fort Frederick State Park, and lost jewelry at Assateague Island National Seashore, all showcasing the state’s rich history.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you learned everything you wanted to know about the best metal detecting finds in Maryland including experts’ tips.
Now it’s time for you to do the homework about the treasure you prefer the most before visiting the location.
Make sure to keep your permit with you always to avoid any trouble.
Happy treasure hunting in Maryland!
