New discoveries are being made every day in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas. Every new finding provides glimpses of past events and people that helped to shape the area that we call home. You don’t have to be a scientist or archeologist to search for and find historical artifacts of all sorts. If you are looking for a fun and free activity that is kid and family-friendly, plan a treasure-hunting expedition and prepare to be amazed by the wonders that can be found in our own backyard!
Arrowheads and manmade artifacts
According to the Virginia Department of Education, It is estimated that native persons had been living in this area for some 17,000 before the first Europeans arrived on the scene. Although they lived much more simplistically, their activities were similar to our own. They built houses, cooked, worked the land, raised families, etc.
When Captain John Smith arrived on the scene, he documented the presence of the Powhatan Empire and numerous Native American villages along the Rappahannock, Potomac, and other waterways of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsulas.
With a little luck and knowledge, it is possible to find a variety of left-behind artifacts such as arrowheads, crude tools, cooking accouterments, and more.
Location
The first key element to a successful hunt is knowing where to look. Even though these artifacts can be hundreds or thousands of years old, you don’t always have to dig to find them. One of the best places to search for artifacts is in clear, moving streams or tributaries. The constant movement of the water can expose these hidden gems and remove overlying sediment. Areas like farms, with freshly tilled open fields, can also be great hunting locations (Although you may have to have some personal connections and receive permission to search in areas such as these.)
Beaches are another easily accessible location that can provide you the opportunity to take home a rare prize. Waves can often deposit or uncover these treasures along the shore. You can grab a store-bought or hand-made sifting box, fill it with sand, and gently shake away the sand and small rocks to hopefully uncover a surprise.
What to look for
Another important skill set that can benefit you in your search is the knowledge of what these artifacts may look like or be made of. When you think of arrowheads you likely envision a perfectly pointed triangular shape with notches cut on the bottom. In reality, artifacts are likely to vary widely due to the effects of time and nature. Artifacts may be broken or chipped or appear more rounded and smooth than expected. Knowing what types of rocks these artifacts were typically made of can help you identify questionable artifacts. In Virginia, sandstone and quarts were most often used by local tribes.
Getting started
The beauty of artifact hunting is that anyone of any age and skill level can participate and no special tools are required. You simply need a good eye and a bit of patience. For a more in-depth search you can purchase or even make a sifting box.
Click here for a basic “Do it yourself” sifting box.
Shark’s teeth and fossils
It is unlikely (though not impossible!) that you will encounter any sharks while swimming in the Potomac, Rappahannock, or York Rivers, however if you search in the right spots, you can likely find hidden relics of both modern and prehistoric species.
While it is entirely possible to find fossils and teeth on any beach, there are a few locations with good reputations for treasure hunting.
According to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, it is permissible and even encouraged to search for shark teeth and fossils at Virginia State Parks (though they request you limit the number of items that you take home.) Westmoreland State Park and York River State Park are especially notorious for their abundance of hidden artifacts. It is believed that these parks sit on ancient sea beds, making them ideal treasure hunting locations. Early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails all left traces of their existence and are now discoverable as fossils.
These two parks even have dedicated programs and events that provide you with expert knowledge from helpful and highly skilled park personnel.
For more info on treasure hunting in VA State parks, click here.
Another favorite treasure hunting location is Hollis Island (nicknamed Sharks Tooth Island) in Colonial Beach. The island is accessible by boat, kayak, canoe, or jet ski. There is a fee to obtain a permit and the season runs from May 15th to September 15th. The shoreline is famed for producing fossilized shark and porpoise teeth, shells and vertebrae, and stingray dental plates from ancient creatures. The teeth of extinct sharks most commonly found on the island belong to the Tiger, Requiem, Mackerel, Hammerhead, and the Sand Shark. Teeth of the spectacular giant White Shark, (Carcharondon Megalodon) can be found too, but are rare.
To learn more about the island or for printable fossil identification sheets, click here.
Museums
If at the end of the day, your search has unfortunately produced little reward, there is still an opportunity to see some ancient artifacts at one of our local museums! Click here for a complete listing of museums in our area.
Gather your family and gather your friends for a fun-filled day of treasure hunting in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula. All you need is a comfy pair of shoes, some sunscreen, and a pair of sharp eyes to enjoy a truly memorable experience! Be sure to adhere to any park or beach rules that are in place, and if you are on private property, be sure you have expressed consent from the property owners. Take only what you need and leave nothing else behind!
Click here for a complete listing of public parks and beaches in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
