Civil War Metal Detecting in Alabama

Civil War battle sites prohibit metal detecting. However, the many skirmishes in Alabama took place outside recognized battle sites. There are many places where engagements took place on what is now private property and there is good potential for finds virtually anywhere that you go in Alabama simply because of the history in the state.

Privately-owned land is not regulated by The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979. As long as you obtain permission from the landowner, you are free to extract objects from private property. Of course, any items discovered is the legal property of the landowner unless agreed to otherwise.

Families that lived in the area of Civil War skirmishes may have buried personal property to keep it from raiders.