Zane's Trace was an early road in the Northwest Territory that connected Wheeling, Virginia, to Limestone, Kentucky (present-day Maysville) from 1796 until well after the War of 1812. Many businesses were built along the road. Taverns and inns catered to travelers and ferries transported people and goods across the rivers. Farmers used Zane's Trace to get their crops to market. Stores were opened in nearby communities to sell a variety of items brought from the East to Ohio settlers. The road had a major influence on development in the southern half of Ohio. Many caches remain hidden along Zane's Trace waiting to be found.
On August 3, 1795, leaders of the Wyandot Indians, the Delaware Indians, the Shawnee Indians, the Ottawa Indians, the Miami Indians, the Eel River Indians, the Wea Indians, the Chippewa Indians, the Potawatomi Indians, the Kickapoo Indians, the Piankashaw Indians, and the Kaskaskia Indians formally signed The Treaty of Greenville. All the chiefs were given medals by the government. They have a picture of George Washington on one side and an Eagle on the other. These medals are very rare and if you find one with your metal detector, you have hit the jackpot. If you see one for sale beware of reproductions.
In 1863, Tom Felton buried the family valuables and $200.00 in gold coins to keep John Hunt Morgan's Raiders from taking it. As fate sometimes is cruel, Mr. Felton met with an early demise never revealing where he cached the valuables. It is located on a farm owned by John Ireland, in Vinton County, Ohio near McArthur.
May all of your trails be smooth and your treasure sites many.
Best Wishes and Good Hunting
Zane's Trace
Greenville Treaty Medal 1795(reproduction)
