Old Metal Button, i'm stumped.

Wonderful place you have here, glad i found it, i'll be putting my account to use no doubt. But if you need to skip some of the banter, just go with the bold print. I'll try and cut to the point with only vital details that might help out.

My daughter and i have been digging in creeks together because she wants to become a geologist/archeologist. So we've been about looking for different types of rocks, with the occasional fossil or Native American artifact discovery. We have gotten ourselves a decent little starter collection.

The pic below is a piece i found, it looks to be a metal button. It has the words 'WEST NELSON' engraved on it, with a small star on each side. Right under the word 'WEST' looks to be a very small A, but i can't exactly be sure of this and if you need additional photographs i can oblige.

If it helps, a brief description on the history of the area. Southern Alabama, Covington County. The area it was found in was a well known area for Civil War activity. You won't find much on it on the internet, but local lore says a small skirmish was fought. Legend has it, and some even consider it absolute history, that General Andrew Jackson came through the area, marking his path with 3 notches. Which is how we got East Three-notch Street.

Also, the area has history of being the main territory in the region for the 'Creek Indian People'. This i can personally attest to for all the evidence that i and others have found. But the button however probably hasn't much to do with the Natives. Just wanted to get this out there and hope for the best. I've tried typing in everything, and i can find absolutely NOTHING on 'West Nelson'. I figured maybe you guys can help me and my daughter solve this little riddle. It could have nothing to do with any of the above, and simply be an old button, but we'd sure like to know and would be no less disappointed. Cheers!

 

Welcome!
~
Nice button! Stand by for help!
~
There are some here who are sure to help you!
~
In the future please use the FULL IMAGE button for all photos.

 

Right on and thanks. The image was taken using my phone which is the only cam i got at the moment, and unfortunately that's the biggest image i got; but if i need to i can resize it. I really appreciate this guys and such a quick response. Whether i figure this out or not, i will definitely appreciate everything.

 

Thanks guys, i'll keep a check on this thread from time to time just incase someone knows the answer to this one. Amazing site and cheers to you all.

 

Hi demon and welcome!

A couple things, first,I have a copy of "The Big Book of Buttons". I did a look through the index and didn't see anything for West Nelson. The only Nelson button I found was for Admiral Nelson and it's nothing like yours.

In flipping through it occurred to me not just military but yours might resemble some railroad buttons and a quick look at google did show that Nelson, Alabama did have a railroad running through. Not that I know anything much about buttons or railroads but just thought I'd mention it.

The other thing. I don't know if Alabama has any avocational archaeology programs. Where I live in Virginia the state Department of Historic Resources together with the state's professional archaeology association and the statewide general archaeology associations put together a certification program for "archaeological technicians" . Basically it's meant to educate anyone with an interest in archaeology so that they can participate in digs, labs and other opportunities. Our program consists of required reading, lectures, historic and pre-historic lab and field hours, journals and exams. It usually takes at least two years of working at your own pace to complete though some have been at it for years and never get around to finishing.

If Alabama has a similar program and if you're interested you might check it out. As far as the geology part, I love rocks and especially for the pre-historic it's important to know your rocks. Stone tools are often made from materials not locally available and can help learn migration patterns.

Many archaeologist suggest leaving things in place unless they're in danger of being destroyed. If you gather things up you might consider keeping a detailed log of where things are found.

Sorry for going on and again, Welcome!