Treasure to Be Found Around Old Home Sites
By Frank Pandozzi, Updated by Kathy Alexander
The allure of unearthing a hidden fortune, a secret stash of valuables buried long ago, is a captivating dream shared by people of all ages. The thought of discovering treasure to be found around old home sites ignites a spark of adventure, a yearning to connect with the past in a tangible and rewarding way. While some dismiss it as a fanciful notion, the reality is that numerous individuals have indeed followed their instincts and embarked on successful treasure hunts, unearthing concealed riches both beneath the earth and hidden within the structures of forgotten homes. Indeed, treasure to be found around old home sites are out there, waiting to be rediscovered, and some of these potential caches might be closer to you than you imagine.
The key to unlocking these historical secrets often lies in the age of the property. Older homes, those that have stood for a century or more, are prime candidates for harboring hidden treasures. These residences, scattered across cities and towns throughout America, represent a bygone era when financial practices and personal beliefs differed significantly from those of today.
One of the primary reasons why old homes become potential treasure troves is the historical distrust of financial institutions. In the early days of American settlement and well into the 20th century, many individuals harbored a deep-seated skepticism towards banks. This was compounded by a strong sense of independence, a desire to maintain complete control over their lives and possessions, including their hard-earned money and valuable belongings. Consequently, the practice of burying valuables for safekeeping became a common and widespread strategy for treasure to be found around old home sites.
This practice of concealing possessions persisted as the nation progressed through the 19th and 20th centuries. The devastating stock market crash of the 1920s only exacerbated the existing lack of confidence in financial institutions, further solidifying the habit of burying money and valuables. Even in contemporary times, the instinct to hide money remains ingrained in some individuals. For many, the perceived safest place to conceal their wealth was within the familiar confines of their own homes and surrounding properties.
However, the act of hiding these valuables was often shrouded in secrecy. Individuals, whether husbands or wives, frequently refrained from confiding in their spouses about the existence of a buried cache beneath the old oak tree or elsewhere on the property. This lack of communication meant that upon the death of the person who buried the treasure, the secret often died with them. The surviving spouse, unaware of the hidden stash, would be left in the dark. Eventually, as both spouses passed away, or as families moved on, unaware of the hidden wealth on the property, the house and its secrets would be passed on to new owners. Thus, treasure to be found around old home sites remains buried and untouched, waiting for discovery.
Whether you currently reside in an older home purchased from previous owners or are simply intrigued by the prospect of searching for treasure on an old property, there are specific locations around these homes that have historically proven to be popular hiding places. These locations, often chosen for their practicality, accessibility, and symbolic significance, offer a promising starting point for any aspiring treasure hunter.
Beneath The Old Oak Tree
The image of a majestic oak tree standing sentinel over a hidden treasure is a classic trope in folklore and adventure stories. However, the prevalence of this image is rooted in historical reality. The old oak tree, or any large, prominent tree, served as a popular and practical hiding place for buried treasure. There are several compelling reasons why trees were frequently chosen as locations for concealing valuables.
Perhaps the most practical reason is the shade provided by the tree. Digging a hole, especially in the days before modern tools, was a laborious task. The shade offered by a large tree provided respite from the sun, making the digging process more bearable. Furthermore, trees served as readily identifiable markers for the location of the cache.
While it might seem unlikely that someone would forget the precise location of their buried valuables, it’s important to consider the context of the time. Life was often unpredictable, and memories could fade with age. Therefore, the use of a marker, such as a distinctive tree, provided a reliable means of locating the treasure, even after a significant period of time. Moreover, markers were sometimes intentionally used to guide a family member to the buried treasure upon the owner’s death. The tree might have a particular carving, unusual branch formation, or be a specific distance from another landmark. So, if you live in an old home with an old tree on the property, especially in the backyard or a more secluded area, it is a highly recommended place to begin your search for potential treasure to be found around old home sites.
Near The Well
Another area that has yielded numerous discoveries of hidden treasures is the vicinity of the well. Wells were essential features of most homes, providing a vital source of water for drinking, cooking, and other household needs. This frequent use made the area around the well a convenient and easily accessible location for burying treasure.
Furthermore, wells were often situated behind the homes, away from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby. This secluded location provided a degree of secrecy, making it easier to hide valuables repeatedly without attracting unwanted attention. The well itself could even be used as a hiding place, with valuables concealed within the well structure or buried nearby.
The Outhouse
While the thought of searching for treasure in an old outhouse might seem unappealing, it is a surprisingly productive area for uncovering historical artifacts and, occasionally, even hidden caches. Outhouses, though often neglected and forgotten, represent a tangible link to the past and can hold a wealth of information about the lives of the people who once used them.
The contents of an old outhouse, including discarded pottery, bottles, buttons, and coins, can provide valuable insights into the daily lives and material culture of past generations. But beyond these everyday items, outhouses have also been known to conceal more significant treasures.
In some instances, individuals have hidden valuables directly within the outhouse structure, such as beneath the wooden "throne" or in a concealed compartment. One notable example involved the discovery of an old metal container fastened beneath the throne, secured with nails and a metal strip. Inside the container were hundreds of silver dollars dating back to the mid-1800s, a testament to the potential treasures that can be found in these unexpected locations.
Consider the multitude of old, abandoned homes you pass by regularly. Then, contemplate how many of those homes might harbor a hidden treasure on their property. All it takes is a simple request for permission from the property owner to conduct a search. Of course, transparency and ethical conduct are essential; informing the owner that any discovered treasure will be shared with them is a crucial aspect of responsible treasure hunting.
A metal detector is an invaluable tool for locating buried treasure. While high-end models can be expensive, a good, reliable detector can be purchased for a reasonable price. The investment can quickly pay for itself if you uncover a significant cache of valuables. The thrill of the hunt, combined with the potential for financial reward, makes treasure hunting around old home sites a captivating and potentially lucrative pursuit.