I do a lot of metal detecting, so I constantly research history in my area and town. I've lately been trying to locate all the plantations in the area. Many are known, some still exist, others lil to no info, just a reference. I've located 11 total. Good thing is in an old smaller town, most history remains, if not for mere foundations.
Will be hunting one plantation this weekend off the river that where they did a lot of coal mining during the war. They would bring union prisoners from Danville down to mine coal. The home is almost gone, mostly foundations.
Found stories of another Martin family/plantation, where the son fought with the union, wounded, came home in 64, but considered a traitor and certain family said they would kill him if they ever saw him again. The provost guard found out he was home and came with a posse to get him as a prisoner. The father and a few older men, along with his armed slaves fought them off, but two were killed. The son was hid in a field during the fight. The father was later tried and hung. I search every map and record, but couldn't locate the plantation. Then I lucked up with an old coal map, think I found it.
