Ft Belknap Permits Metal Detectors on Grounds

Young County history buffs—especially the youngest ones—will soon have a new way to explore the past, thanks to a program at Fort Belknap Historic Site. For the first time, the Fort will allow metal detecting on its grounds, but only for educational purposes and under strict supervision.

Museum Director Jim Hammond announced the program during the May 27 meeting of the Young County Commissioners Court, explaining that the initiative aims to cultivate historical curiosity in children.

The permit states that the program is aimed at cultivating “an interest in history with children by allowing them the chance to discover history using metal detecting as the tool.”

The permits are free but must be obtained in advance. According to the guidelines, all metal detecting will be monitored by the director, and permission is required for any digging that exceeds one foot in depth or width. Excavation may only occur when the director is on site, unless special arrangements have been made.

The permit emphasizes the importance of context in archaeological discovery: “The location where an artifact is discovered offers just as many clues as the artifact itself.” Participants are required to mark the locations of any finds and notify the director immediately.

“There is much information to be gained by the Fort and the public by allowing metal detecting hobbyists on the grounds,” the permit continues. “This information is only useful if it is made public. Selfish ambition will not be tolerated.”

Any findings will be considered part of the Fort’s interpretive mission.

Mr. Hammond said the most high-value discoveries so far have been uniform buttons from soldiers stationed at the Fort during its active years.

Fort Belknap, located near Newcastle, was established in 1851 as part of a defensive line of forts designed to protect Texas settlers from raids during westward expansion. It served as a key military post during the violent conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, and was the northern anchor of the infamous Butterfield Overland Mail route.

The Fort was decommissioned in 1859, briefly reoccupied during the Civil War, and later restored as a historic site.

Permits may be requested directly from the Fort Belknap Historic Site office. Specific hours and guidelines will be set by the director on a caseby-case basis.