OK- I know a good number of you guys are history buffs/nature buffs/like digging around for artifacts and other things. I wanted to see if you could help me or point me in the direction of researching Confederate camp sites in South Carolina.

The reason I ask is that I have had a few phone calls asking permission to come on to our property to search for a "Confederate camp site." At first, I just blew it off because I don't want people on our property; however, I have had another call recently and think there may be some weight to the idea.

Specifically, my family owns some property out in Camden, SC. The area is obviously well known for a battle site and forts. However, my property is about 8-10 miles southeast (I think) from there. We have vast river frontage along the Wateree River, so it could be make sense. We have found loads of indian artifacts, a few broad heads, and one cannon ball. SO..any one have any tips on how to find out what these other guys seem to know??

PM APRILRAZZ and direct her to this thread. she lives for that shit :laughing:

Thanks, will do.

Edit.. she found it.

well, she WAS looking at it.. April(bev??)??

Be careful about old cannonballs, too many have blown themselves up trying to defuse them.

this one isn't active, or i just don't know my stuff. It's about 4" in diameter and weights a ton.. feels like pure lead.

check out a book titled Confederates in the Attic. covers quite a few sites including lesser known ones. also gives lots of reference material to look up places that can help you out.

You want to find out

Go outside with a metal detector and start searching.
Flag everything you find and start digging.

It depends on who is calling you. Find out who they are and check them out. Are they museums, schools or the like. What exactly do they want to do? What kind of deal are they willing to strike with you? What is the land used for right now? How will this impact you in the long run?
From what you said it is likely that there was some activity there but make sure that you are not dealing with a bunch of relic hunters.
But on the flip side there is a problem with historic areas that are being developed now. Was pretty heartbreaking to see how Fredericksburg allowed so much development on the battlefields. You go to see where a pivotal battle took place only to be staring at a housing development.:shaking:

Go to the forum here: http://www.treasurenet.com

Sign up and ask around...there are a lot of good people over there that really know thier CW shit. Don't give too much info but they should be able to point you in the right direction. Hell, the guys who are calling asking to search your land are probably from there.

Good luck and let us know what you find!

You could head to Cowpens off of Hwy 11 in the upstate, about 10 miles from I-85. Exit 92 or something like that. Obviously Cowpens was a pretty well known battle site, and there is a nice visitors center there. Stopped by one time on my way to Lake Keowee, and it was really pretty cool. they might have some information for you.

When I was there, there was a WWII vet, who fought in the battle of the bulge, working there as a guide. His name was Bob Lebrun or something similar. This was last year. full of information.

check out a book titled Confederates in the Attic. covers quite a few sites including lesser known ones. also gives lots of reference material to look up places that can help you out.

I'll check it out, thanks for the tip!

You want to find out

Go outside with a metal detector and start searching.
Flag everything you find and start digging.

Very helpful, gee, I never thought about that...:shaking::shaking:

It depends on who is calling you. Find out who they are and check them out. Are they museums, schools or the like. What exactly do they want to do? What kind of deal are they willing to strike with you? What is the land used for right now? How will this impact you in the long run?
From what you said it is likely that there was some activity there but make sure that you are not dealing with a bunch of relic hunters.
But on the flip side there is a problem with historic areas that are being developed now. Was pretty heartbreaking to see how Fredericksburg allowed so much development on the battlefields. You go to see where a pivotal battle took place only to be staring at a housing development.:shaking:


The individuals never said anything about being from a historic museum, college, or any sort of foundation..sounded like informed hobbiest??? I didn't ask too many questions because I just would rather not have them out there because it has messed with us in the past. I should have asked more questions, and I will if that situation comes up again.

This land will NEVER be developed, its in a 10 or 100 year flood plain along the river. It's mostly farm land and hardwoods. I'll get into it if i can get my hands an a good metal detector.

Go to the forum here: http://www.treasurenet.com

Sign up and ask around...there are a lot of good people over there that really know thier CW shit. Don't give too much info but they should be able to point you in the right direction. Hell, the guys who are calling asking to search your land are probably from there.

Good luck and let us know what you find!

I'll check that out tonight for sure and you better bet I'll keep the PBB posted.



Thanks for everyone's input.

I have lots of family ties to Camden, my grandfather still lives there. We owned some property near you on the Wateree,called Lang's neck. When the river was low we would collect indian artifacts by the truckfull off of the sandbars.
Check with the historic Camden foundation,they have an office in town. Camden held more of a role in the American Revolution than the Civil war but was a hotbed of activity in both.