Metal Detecting Along The Railroad In The River

In this rather long video I go on a little metal detecting adventure hiking down a river looking for treasure and Civil War relics near a railroad bridge. I experience a very fun and relaxing hunt all the while seeing nature, animals, weird things and trains. It wasn't the most productive expedition, but it was one for great memories.
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About Aquachigger:
Metal detecting, treasure, history, coins, river treasure, adventure, nature, animals and MOAR! That is what my channel is about. I enjoy caving, SCUBA diving and flying my powered paraglider. I foster sick and injured pets. My channel is family friendly. My videos are meant to be fun, educational and informative.
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Metal Detecting Along The Railroad In The River
• Metal Detecting Along ...
Aquachigger
/ aquachigger

[@MyMichaelw]

I have watched just about every video you have put out, and I love them all. You know, if you could pickup every beer can and beer bottle and get money for them you would be rich. I like the fact you have such a passion for nature, history, and even to a point the science of how things work in nature. Much respect sir.

[@bigsky12001]

The fact that you go to great lengths that you don't have to. You sure keep it interesting. Because many don't have your adventurous nature you have makes you one of a kind. I want to say thank you for that. And I love the fact you aren't a know it all and let us give our two cents worth. Truly thank you.

[@ShellyAnn1a]

You are always finding these old ax heads in almost everystream yo search. Came across a single bit ax head on a trip to an old logging area, found it in the stream that ran past the mill site. Cleaned it off a bit and took it home to show my dad. The next time I took some leave to go hunting, dad had a suprise for me. He had cleaned up that single bit and put a handle on it. I am still using it to this day. I found it during hunting season of 1973 before going overseas and spending a year in Japan. Dad told me that he thought it was a hand forged German ax head. Once he cleaned it up he put a good straight hickory handle in it then painted the axe head a medium blue which dad painted every tool he put a handle in. The whole year I spent in Japan that single bit sat in the front window of dad's store, even had a few people want to buy it, but he told them, no, as it belonged to his kid over seas. He finally put a tag on it saying "Property of R A K." Have any of your ax heads been in good enough condition to be put back in service with a new handle and a good sharpening? That old single bit bounces around in the back of my truck or I make sure it is there whenever I go exploring. . - . - . . - . - . Have A Safe and Sane New Years Day. . - . - . . - . - . Shelly Ann, LPN (ret)

[@Emilee52395]

This is somehow very relaxing. You're like the Bob Ross of metal detecting.

[@oldzensoul]

Emilee M. Lol yes he even has the little gasps and "do u see it ? "

[@seesmarees]

Yes! That's exactly it. I wondered why I liked listening to him so much - I loved Bob Ross, too!

[@treemarie213100]

Emilee M. Lol i could not agree more! I said this same thing to my husband before!

[@1Epicdoom]

bob ross was a great person loved watching him paint

[@aprilhill333]

LOL Ive said that before on another video of his.

[@sarahhughes8645]

You really are such a genuinely nice and good person, that's why I love watching your channel so much!

[@cyndidalke9809]

My grandfather was a station master of a railroad in Savannah, GA during the 60s and 70s. I didn’t get to grow up near there but I get a real nostalgic feeling when I hear the train whistles blowing. Time moves too fast sometimes.

[@bummer1961]

Beau I really look forward to your videos,not being able to venture out because of health issues.So thanks for all the hard work you put into making them.

[@LickyPocket]

Love the long video and all the explanations. Very interesting to hear your insight on all the little things I would usually ignore. Good work!

[@andrew12361]

Thanks for taking us with you Beau

[@deerferns]

I just want to say that my boyfriend and I just discovered your videos recently and we find your "treasure hunting" wonderful to watch and we're learning a lot! Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful experiences as well as the history behind all your awesome finds! Also want to say I really appreciate the fact that you don't share exactly where you are. I know people would flock to those places if they knew you were finding all that cool stuff, and not everyone is respectful about it :( Best wishes, and we can't wait to see your next hunt!

[@CraigArndt]

I hope you go back for that burnt timber, that really was gorgeous.

[@fourtwozero]

I'm going up there tomorrow. I hope it's still there. It'll be perfect yard art. Finders keepers!

[@johnamico588]

+MM420 cmon man he said he's coming back for it, he found it :/ haha

[@Jimmy-fl8vp]

I think he should sell it to a history museum because I think it would be a nice thing for a history museum to have and he could get money from it

[@thomaskent7864]

+hue hue hue lol he wouldn't get money. just a thanks.

[@bencovill8566]

you have the best personsality to go along with these videos, they are so enjoyable to watch thank you from Brisbane Australia

[@boatx22]

A train every hour on the hour, Sounds like paradise!

[@andrewsumner1781]

I've seen you pull all kinds of things out of the river and wanted a lot of them, but there was something really special about that burned piece of bridge. THIS was a piece of wood that was on fire on one special day in the civil war, how amazing is that?? It should be in a museum.

[@TrustingJesus67]

You have to have the most interesting spots around the US. History , river spills, ...etc. Keep having fun and God bless.

[@wincharter1]

Yep, another good en, I love the ole bridge parts, Man if they could talk..........Thanks for your time, Capt'n

[@billymays6549]

Thanks! Gonna get it checked out. I started metal detecting because of your videos keep em coming. Thanks again

[@MrCrapheadist]

This old bridge location is amazing. I could camp here

[@MrCrapheadist]

Lol I posted this right before he said "I could camp here"

[@bobbybaldeagle702]

I love the sound of the trains going by... It's as soothing as listening to the waterfall...

[@shellythom7248]

The piece of the bridge is definitely cool. To have something that they touched walked on and burned in the war. Pretty cool

[@jimthompson9992]

It is sad how we humans use the water around us as a dump...but another great video! Thanks Beau and keep 'em coming...please!!

[@carltonbauer2779]

In another 200 years searchers will probably be happy to find that dumped stuff.

[@jeremydiamond8824]

Beau I just wanted to say I watched all of your vlogs and really enjoy a person who loves his passion as much as mine, honesty ,family, friends and your personal favorite , detecting artifacts and history wow I'm a big history buff as well . I I truly mean it ,everyone of you episodes are intriguing informative, adventurous and most of all funny sometimes and fun thanks for the fun and adventurous vlogs you do, and in the future thanks for being one of those special people that bring your life into ours so we can enjoy when sometimes our days are so much . thanks again sincerely Jeremy R. Diamond

[@Wwally]

The axe head is beautimus, awesome scenery too. Another shell for the Chigg, dang.

[@gtoscowork]

Good adventure enjoyed seeing the old train route

[@chintasrvvegankitchen7761]

Wonderful Video, thank-you!

[@oldzensoul]

Man I can't stop watching its 3am and I should be asleep but u know they got that new autoplay and I can't stop lol

[@themetaldetectorguy]

Super awesome! Thanks for taking me on this adventure!

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I would love to have a small piece of the Old Hardy AR iron bridge that was lost during the historic flood of 1882. It was a heartbreaking loss for the community. Interesting show. Enjoy watching historical finds!

[@comicsshed5381]

Great vid Beau :) loved the axe head and seeing you explore around the old bridge pillars.

[@kingmiura8138]

General "Stonewall " Jackson put a half dozen C&O railroad engines into the Potomac river early in the war but i think that was near Harpers Ferry. There was no rail connection nearby to reach the Virginia railroads so he just junked the engines. There was a wading across the Potomac by Lee's Army in 1863. There was a major battle on the Potomac near Washington early in the war. Not all the places are park land today.

[@kingmiura8138]

Yeah, Baltimore & Ohio. The battlefield on the Potomac near Washington is a housing subdivision today. Stonewall had a Marylander on his staff - Henry Kyd Douglas whose family home was near the Potomac. Those lead balls you find in the rivers probably did not travel far in the water. Deo Vindice.

[@autumnleavesleaves8950]

Sabot, like rabbit. Thanks for another fun video!

[@ItsAlwaysRusty]

I think the flat plate of iron under the railroad bridge is a track bed plate that is nailed onto the wooden ties and the rails sit on the bed plates.. Looks like a great spot.. Take Care

[@soycracker]

Awesome video. Thanks for the entertainment. Keep them coming!

[@1950cappie]

In the early 70's I was stationed in Georgia, with a Engineer Company, that was sent out to destroy a Civil War era bridge support. We used dynamite and failed, so they had to bring in the Combat Engineers to do it properly. The whole time I was thinking, this is so wrong to destroy this monument to history.

[@larrystokes8787]

Sorry for the real late reply, but that flat plate with the ridge in the middle is a track plate. It is put in place next to the track with spikes to hold it to the railroad ties.

[@yolandajohnson8069]

BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!

[@SuperBowser87]

Wow! I just come across your channel. I detected for 20 years and had to quit due to an injury and now I am disabled. I had the same passion plus enthusiasm you do. I miss it so very much but at least I got to do and see what I did. If you are ever up the Louisville ky way drop me a line and I will put you on my old spots. I have been saving them for my nephew but I don't think the detecting bug is going to bite him. I have had a great time today watching your videos. Brings back great memories. Thanks!

[@SuperBowser87]

+Beau Ouimette no problem. If by chance you ever watch a digger on here named Buckleboy that is my old digging partner. I first met him and took him to one of my old sites. In 15 minutes he dug a sword belt plate. That's how he got his nickname. Good times.......

[@tymesho]

+Tom Wilcox in the same boat, my friend. this cat brings back so many memories, doesn't he? this guy's the best, tom.

[@badapple65]

Tom. Beau is about the best you can find. I discovered his channel about last December. I watched every one of his videos over the Winter and purchased my AT Pro in April. He is very inspirational and down to earth. Now I'm finding great stuff myself. Sorry to hear of your disabilities, I battle back trouble but I move slow and listen to the signals :)

[@SuperBowser87]

+Michigan Mister thanks for the reply. I had some great times diggin. I was a photographer in the 90s for the magazine Winston Cup Illustrated now called NASCAR Illustrated. I got to go to the race at Richmond Va twice a year. I would always arrive a few days early to dig what I consider sacred ground. There was a nascar driver named Sterling Marlin who was a big time relic hunter. He would come into town a day early so he could dig. I was lucky enough to hook up with him a couple times to do some hunting. He was a super nice down to earth guy. We used his name to get into places most people dream of. The best was a farmer who owned many acres next to Cold Harbor battlefield. You could not move your coil without digging a bullet. But that's about all we found was lead. I wish I could go back.............

[@tymesho]

great story! I'm an old school nascar fan since the seventies myself, how it has changed, hey? Sterlin Marliin was always in it! take care, Tom!

[@catherinegoetzke9350]

The bridge supports remind me of my childhood in York County PA. There was a place on the conewago creek at had a building called the depot. I am 80 and it was a relic when I was born. I felt it was an excersion train for York City in about 1890

[@barrettnicpon8846]

The item at 13:34 is a "track shoe", used at the join between two pieces of rail. It looks like probably a "U-rail' era one, probably from the original construction of the line. The two upwards-curved flanges were bent on-site over the edges of the rail, and four spikes were hammered down through the holes, two each through the ends of each piece where they joined end-to-end. The original lengths of U-rail were often notched to accommodate the spikes. Definitely a scarce item: I find them much harder to find than the U-rail itself!

[@RoboKatz]

Always entertaining...and educational. Keep it up.

[@Southlondonrider92]

The scenery is amazing. You are so in touch with nature that's why I think a lot of people enjoy your videos! One question is there not any dangerous wildlife to look out for?

[@Southlondonrider92]

+Beau Ouimette I thought so, Im from United Kingdom so I'm lucky to not have really any dangerous animals/creatures to look out for

[@WALTZ0000]

+TeamKit same !! :D

[@steepagenda]

+TeamKit you are so right and you have an amazing way with words

[@davidgarland2289]

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[@ElectrikNYCfunK]

"I'm not carrying that thing out, it must weigh atleast 20lbs" Hahahah lol that made me laugh alot more than it should have lol

[@grandprismatic]

Nice footage Chigg!

[@doctordeath.5716]

I love trains and the old spikes can be turned in to different kinds of thing's.

[@stefanrdetecting8411]

Nice video! I like the nature in this one! The pillars look awesome!

[@OurPastAu]

Nice finds! The location was excellent!

[@AkingBones]

Greetings from Canada. Thanks for the vids, most of my hunting up here yields pop tops and the occasional coin. There is some old mining history and old rail lines near by to explore. Thanks for the inspiration, love your vids!,

[@dougssdigs3927]

That first plate you found is a base plate that would be spiked onto a wooden tie. The rail is then clamped onto the plate and held in place with the elongated "C" spring clip.

[@WalcomS7]

3:14 BEAVERS GETTIN SWOLE

[@jburritt426]

Wow what a great day to play out in the river. Such rich history. Have a glorious day everyone.

[@davidfruth2533]

If you are ever in my neck of the woods in Columbia, SC I would love to hit the rivers here with you. 2016 is my second year detecting, and I hoping it will be a great year. Also love your videos, I have learned so much watching your video's. Thank you for sharing your exploits.

[@steveculbert4039]

Thanks for doing this video. Your exploring seems pretty lonely, but I'm right there at heart!

[@irmadcow93]

wow, that is a great spot!

[@georgegamble9876]

Thanks beau!

[@BigJohn4516]

Some of the iron plates that you picked up were used to join wooded ties in a trestle. You also picked up a section of iron truss. Trestles also had rings that went between the cross ties and a bolt or rivet that went through to hold the joint together, in case you ever find one of those.

[@bartonrobinson4266]

Nice spot. Camping there wouldn't be far fetched but i'd avoid eating the dead fish..lol..or rock turtles. Thanks for another fun splash Beau !!

[@vermilk]

Lol, "Here's somebody's little dump"! I see what you did there.

[@andrewwilson8317]

Another great video from probably the nicest and most interesting bloke on KZbin. I salute you sir and look forward to many more videos to come!

[@bb_in_maine6039]

Amazing location! The charred tie is truly an interesting piece of history... Beauty of an axe head!

[@bb_in_maine6039]

+BB_in_ Maine Oh and that gear is insanely cool.

[@RustyNail5856]

great job some nice finds.

[@rhinorinehart8066]

Very cool area just to hang out at ! I love old railroad locations. Thanks for sharing....Rhino

[@bobbywysocki5193]

the CHIG I can dig that title ....cooool

[@zannie2723]

Looking forward to seeing your recovery video on that big gear. Seriously cool yard display piece.

[@elitevibe7717]

I love that you do this

[@jhthorn7174]

Vision this, The Chigg, is out on this river detecting. A brief Summer rain and lighting storm comes up. Lighting strikes trees near Mr Beau. Wow! Aquachigger scrambles out of water up on river bank near train trestle. He hunkers down until rain ends. He hears a train bell as coal fired train, bellowing smoke passes over span with Union soldiers sitting next to boxes of ammunition and Civil War cannon on flat bed cars. The expression on Mr. Beau's face is fascination of a kid. He falls backward on his butt while his body shakes with excitement. The adventure begins.

[@Goldingstars]

Really enjoyed this video; definitely a spot I'd choose to stay too!

[@treasurehuntingscotlandmud9340]

good little hunt some lovely scenery loved the axe

[@Quincygrn]

That wheel at the start was pretty awesome. Need a 4 wheeler and a wench. would be well worth it.

[@rammice]

+Hey Mom Look What I Found!!!! I hope you meant winch and not wench... although a wench could possibly work ;)

[@Quincygrn]

+rammice lol, yea that will work to.

[@TheAussieStig30]

+rammice wenches typically complain that it's too hot/cold, you're taking too long, it's too boring, there too many insects, they're hungry, thirsty or need the toilet.

[@Iowahorse]

+TheAussieStig30 Any wench that can lug that out of there I want nothing to do with.

[@thomson723]

+Iowahorse A wench to bring you ale, while you winch it out?

[@livefreeordie45]

I love the bricks of one of the bridges.

[@robsgt.airborne9177]

That big gear at the beginning of the video almost looks like a gear from a rail mounted crane from the 40's and early 50's or even sooner. I used to do maintenance work on those old cranes back in the late 70's until the early 90's.

[@Onemanuknow]

its cool how you could do hunts for relics you like! and cool railroad finds sir beau!

[@Coinazoid]

Treated sewage water = Dead fish!!!! Great video as always Beau!

[@walkingtrails7776]

As always interesting. Great find on the artillery shell!

[@CanadianDiggersChannel]

Holly cow that wheel would make a nice wall hanger ...... Some pretty nasty water.......yuk You are unique Beau

[@johnganz6106]

Hey Acuachiggher I LOVES YOUR VIDEOS i am nine your vids are so awsome!

[@desertfoxx1823]

Awesome video Beau! I would love to check out that railroad bridge site.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

Nice North Carolina Pattern Axe Head!

[@chord972]

Thank you. Good presentation. Subscribed.

[@glenpierce777]

Coolsville vid Beau. You discovered a new sub-species, the 'Murky Water Rock Turtle', I 'spose the Latin would have 'Beau' or 'Chigg' included in it. 'Chiggarius granitus testudines'. Lol, lol (As some people say, I should be on the Stage..........Next one out of town!!) Peace out mate.

[@jormot]

+Glen Pierce Thanks! First laugh of today.

[@freddieeatsgoldcoins]

Yo Beau, GREAT VIDEO! some good finds, cheers,G:)

[@kodiakcopilot]

Maybe you could bring along a truck inner tube for the big finds & tow that big gear, like a trailer for the kayak:)

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

You could really get a sense of history from the old railroad area, very cool. That patched area of bricks seemed like a strange spot. I wonder if someone tucked something away in there just for fun to be found later?

[@kimshirley7014]

Going to take a WAG that the granite blocks off to the side may have had beams across them parallel to the river with wood cross bracing constructed in a triangular configuration up to the bottom of the bridge. This bracing would provide lateral support as well as vertical support for the bridge.. I saw a bridge in Colorado built in that fashion.

[@effenfish661]

that "pin" was actually the key to that hidden room, that's why it looked different

[@davidg813]

So someone sitting home on their couch watching you on TV is telling you to get more exercise while you're out in nature walking around in the riverbed exploring hahaha it doesn't get any better than that

[@jjohnson8081]

Thank you for posting another great video!

[@myqwood8541]

That first piece of iron you picked up, I believe, is a connector rail. Used to switch a train from one track to another. Why it would be near a bridge, I'm sure I have no idea.

[@stonewallbook]

Nice video. I found an old bridge timber recently as well. Mine has large iron nails and some wooden pegs as well. It's about 6' or so long. I actually did retrieve mine. Trying to decide how to display it!

[@lmorgan2lm]

I'm just getting into metal detecting/ nature walks, living in northern WV we've got a lot of history around here. Your channel is so informative and informational, always get excited when I see that you've uploaded!

[@southernsniperchannel2043]

6:52 track hold down or track joint section 13:40 broken piece of railroad track and the reason for the odd shape every little ways they would cut the track like and actually drive spikes in it like that or through the web for extra support

[@murphjy]

The large stone to the left of the brick in the bridge abutment looked different from the rest too. Newer, smoother.

[@Athenstrainman]

You have such respect and knowledge about these items. Keep doing what your doing!

[@frostysoutdoors4135]

Great Hunt Beau

[@lisapritchard2565]

I have bin watching you videos form the beginning and I love and loved all of them, thx for making my day (after homework of course) :)

[@aspudkicker]

Hi Beau. There appears to be numbers on the burnt wood, just above your fingers at 11:56 The bricked up square that we both are curious about already has a hole in it, would it be possible to poke a light and camera through, to see if there are any goodies in there? The fish probably became ill from the sewage water, treated or not I wouldnt want to be wading in it. Be well my friend.

[@WolfetteSheena]

The piece of metal that you found under the old train bridge is for attaching rail to railroad ties. They still use them today. One time I found a huge sledge hammer used to nail spikes through what you found.

[@deathstroke1291]

My friend would love that place

[@thomashawkinson7017]

Hello Chig! Theory on bridge: Original stone pillars circa 1885. The brink pillars were added around 1885--1890 as supplemental supports to the original stone pillars. Why? Train weights were increasing over the decades. Thanks--Tom H.

[@MegaTriumph1]

The mason work on the old Bridge was very interesting. I could looked at that hours just amazing.

[@redradiodog]

I love your videos,allways very interesting.