A day in the life at a 1860's military post.

[Rick73]

During the 1860's there were several military posts or forts that sprung up in the west and Midwest. I know of a couple of these locations that are nothing more than cornfields now. They saw no battles or skirmishes at all. What was everyday life like. How often were the soldiers paid. Was is cash, coins etc.. There was no place to spend their money unless it was at the fort itself. What would a metal detectorist expect to find. I would imaging there was target practice etc.

 

[Digger70pa]

A splendid array of relic goodies.

 

[Cajuncoinhunter]

Maybe a gold coin ?

 

[kraykepler]

Sounds like a Dances with Wolves kind
of setting. He had lots of goodies, didn't he?!

 

[fwcrawford]

The possibilites are endless as far as what could be found.. remember back then a button or bullet lost or dropped was no big deal, but finding one now would be a very good find.. It's hard to tell what may be lying around waiting to be found.. I sure would be interested in the site if I was you.. since it is a cornfield now, there probably won't be an abundance of new trash to dig either or contend with.. let us know how it goes if you decide to search the site.. be interesting to see what comes out of that area!!
Goodluck!!

 

[Rick73]

Sounds like a Dances with Wolves kind
of setting. He had lots of goodies, didn't he?!

kraykepler, you hit the nail on the head. That is exactly the area. I am curious how the soldiers were paid and how often. I can see them pitching pennies for a pastime. The frost won't be gone for 5 months so I have a lot of time to research.