Club Hunts: Uncovering Lost History with Our Valued Members

Uncovering traces of the Confederate Victory in Plymouth, Nc.

Club members received permission from the city of Plymouth to explore the area with the aim of uncovering some of the rich history tied to the Confederate Civil War victory in the region. During their search, they uncovered several intriguing artifacts, one of which was brought to the museum for further verification of its historical significance. However, concerns over the presence of venomous snakes in the primary research area limited their exploration to a small section. Members expressed hope of returning once “those pesky creatures” have safely hibernated for the winter, allowing for a more thorough investigation of the site and the potential recovery of more significant items that could shed light on Plymouth's storied past.

October 2024

Photo courtesy of Mark Amerson

3 ring civil war bullet recovered by Mark Amerson.

Gold Guilt Confederate Texas Officer button

Gold Guilt Texas confederate officers' button. Recovered by John Dilday

numerous finds from the battle of plymouth,nc

Numerous items related to the battle, Friction primer,3 ring bullet, zinc mason jar lid, along with modern coins and period hardware. Recovered by Dale Morris.

Four canon friction primers (center-left) numerous modern coins, brass tacks, suspender buckle. Recovered by Johnathan "Excalibur"

Civil War friction primer. Recovered by Dave DeLoach.

Period Lion Broach, recovered by Dave Deloach

Model T hubcap,Mary Kay compact, civil war cannon primer,, saddle rivets, modern clad coins. Recovered by Dave Deloach.

Partial skeleton Key, Brass lock, Buckles, musket balls, shell fragments (civil war) Brass boot eyelets/ties, square nails. Recovered by "Chief" Keith Harris.

Uncovering Potters Raid Snow Hill Area

Grimsley Plantation holds a significant historical event as it witnessed the arrival of General Potter's troops during a raiding party at dawn. During the raid, two horses belonging to William P. Grimsley, a Unionist, were confiscated by Potter's men. However, after Grimsley explained his "position" to Potter (a sworn Union sympathizer), he was given six horses in exchange. The skirmish continued throughout the day as scattered cavalry units, including the 7th Confederate Cavalry and the 62nd Georgia, engaged in battle with the Federal troops in Greene County. The historical significance of this event highlights the impact of the Civil War on the local community and the interactions between Unionists and Confederate troops.

During our search, we discovered evidence of civil war activity, and we are still working to pinpoint the main camp and skirmish area. We hope that on our next trip, we will have more success in our search. Below are some of the artifacts we recovered during our exploration of the historical site, shedding light on the history that lies buried beneath the surface.

Late 1800's shot gun shells, various rifle shell casings, Brass D buckle , 1943 "war Nickle" ,1952 Rosie, old Zippo lighter. Recovered by Buddy Womble

Old Iron Ax head. Recovered by Joe Demoranville.

1800's silver ladies brooch. Recovered by John Dilday

1949 Rabies Tag. Recovered by John Dilday

10 musket balls, modern bullets, tip of pocket knife, pack finial, mystery metal, an ornate piece of pewter (I think), and another stinkin Lincoln. Recovered by Moe McKnight

Uncovering Potters Raid

Members of the group are hoping to uncover more information about the civil war activity that took place on this 1820 plantation house in the Falkland area, following the footsteps of Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter. During our initial hunt, we unearthed rare civil war relics such as buttons and bullets. These findings suggest that General Porter's troops may have been present at the plantation. However, further digging and thorough searching are required before a definitive answer can be provided. The investigation will continue, as our group is determined to uncover the truth about the historical significance of this site.

1820 Plantation site Eastern North Carolina

Gathering prior to the hunt

Mark Amerson checking out what Brian Bottoms just recovered.

Filling up the finds table!

Folded North Carolina "Starburst" Confederate Civil War Button. Recovered by John Dilday

Mid 1800"s reign Guide. Recovered by Keith Harris.

Ceramic insulator late 1800"s Iron Buckle Parasol guide, Percussion cap and Reign guide (extra heavy possibly from a mule wagon, circa 1800"s). Recovered by Brian Bottoms

Flag staff Finial, photo on the right shows a whole one. Finial recovered is the bottom part. Photo showing the whole one was used by a Union Calvery Soldier. Recovered by Keith Harris.

Antique Gold ring recovered by Johnathan Rawls

Standing Liberty Quarter, Wheat penny, various buttons and part of an Iron hinge. Recovered by Gary Wester.

Fancy cuff button, shirt button and piece of a tombac button along with 3 bullets. Recovered by Thomas Powell.

Sterling silver spoon, various period buttons, Large tombac button, 2 brass buckle, Period coat hanger. Recovered by Steve Blanchard.

1943 Silver quarter, various wheat cents, numerous period buttons along with a rare NC confederate starburst button", rivets. Recovered by John Dilday.

The first HRANC club hunt of 2024 took place on a family-owned farm that has been passed down through generations since the civil war. It holds a significant historical value as relatives of the current owners have been recorded to have fought in the war. During the hunt, club members made remarkable discoveries, unearthing various relics and coins dating back to the early 1700s. Additionally, they were able to recover items from the civil war period, adding to our understanding of the past. We are immensely grateful to the landowners for granting us this incredible opportunity to preserve and unveil some of the lost history embedded within their property. Their generosity and support are truly commendable.

Club Hunt January 2024

Civil war union general service cuff button. Recovered by Kendall Dilday.

Melted camp lead, and, possibly 2 spent mini balls, 2 flat buttons and a large "I" horse Rossette? Recovered by Thomas Powell

General Service Union Civil war coat button. Recovered by Keith Harris

Fancy saddle rivet with leather still attached. Possibly civil war era . Recovered by Rusty Hicks.

1938 2 Franc French coin. Recovered by Keith Harris.

Flat Button and Indian Head Penny. Recovered by Russ Fedoriw

1879 Indian head penny,1944 Wheat cent, Bag seal, 3 buttons and a buckle. Recovered by Gary Wester

1944 Quarter, 1912 wheatie, a 172? 1/4 Re’al, a couple Tombac buttons, a couple musket balls, maybe a carved fishing weight, a pack strap stud, the top of maybe a lipstick tube or possibly a Model A valve stem cover, an interesting piece of lead and several pieces of brass wire. Recovered by Moe McKnight

.58 caliber Gardner Civil War Bullett. Recovered by Johnathan Rawls

Thimble, D buckle, lead hem/curtain weight, horse tack adornment below the weight, 1943 wheat penny & the piece to the left with the hole is part of a muzzleloader trigger guard. Recovered by Ginny Johnson.

Parasol Cap, Musket ball, 30-06 casing, melted lead, various coins and a civil war percussion cap. Recovered by Brian Bottoms

Reins guide, 4 big musket balls (2 drops, 1 fired, 1 bitten down on) and several smaller shot, 2 flat buttons, 2-hole button and a fancy silver 2-piece button (not plated). Recovered by John Dilday.

Silver Button cleaned. Recovered by John Dilday.

Flattened silver thimble. Recovered by Randy Cobb

Vintage brass gas valve? D ring buckle, antique key, rivet. Recovered by Mark Armstrong

U.S. Marine Corp button from the Korean war era. Recovered by Randy Cob.

Early 1800's Pipe stem, flat button. Recovered by Keith Morgan

Broken Maul or Sledgehammer recovered in a previous slave area section. Recovered by Keith Harris

Miscellaneous field recoveries including a deer Antler. Recovered by Rusty Hicks

2 Curry Combs. Small buckle,6 buttons, 1890's Slaymaker Lock. Recovered by Steve Blanchard.

While the HRANC club members searched the famous Portis Gold Mine, they came across several exciting discoveries. These findings have been carefully recovered and saved, ensuring that everyone can now enjoy them. The members have unearthed various intriguing artifacts that shed light on the history and significance of the mine. From ancient coins to intricate tools and equipment, these items provide a glimpse into the lives of those who once worked in the mine. Each discovery holds its own story, waiting to be unraveled and appreciated by enthusiasts and history buffs alike. HRANC club members take pride in preserving these treasures, allowing future generations to learn and appreciate the rich heritage of the Portis Gold Mine.

1865 "V" nickel recovered by Mike Kleinfelt using Garrett AT Pro 3" deep. A little "Toasty" but how would you look for being buried for over 158 years?

Mining era tools (1800's to 1900's) and daily utensils recovered by Elton Ethridge.

Parts to a late 1800s cast Iron stove door. Recovered by Melinda Outlaw

U.F.O. (Unidentified Found Object). Possibly revolutionary war item recovered by Mark Amerson

President Mckenly Assassination commemorative medal recovered by Gary Wester.

Etching on the front and number stamped on the back, possibly a miner or slave token. Recovered by Brian Bottoms.

Edgecombe County Farm Field

HRANC members have made a remarkable discovery while searching a farmer's field. They stumbled upon a range of lost items, from tractor parts to both modern and ancient coins. Furthermore, relics from past civil war battles were also found, shedding light on the historical significance of the area. It is fascinating to imagine the stories behind these artifacts and how they ended up buried in the field. Among the historical remnants, even discarded soda pop cans were uncovered, demonstrating the intersection of past and present. This discovery is a testament to the importance of preserving and exploring our heritage.