It can vary. I live about 1000 feet from a California Mission, within an "Archeologically Sensitive Zone". I have no problem with that, it's worth it to live where I do.

But I'm prohibited from digging any holes in my property, although I do on occasion. But digging a foundation, not possible without having an archeologist come out. And Heaven forbid they find Indian bones.

G-  As long as you are on private land, with the owners permission you are OK.  When you get onto public land then law says anything over 100 years is "historical", and most agencies have rules for anything over 50 years.  You can supposedly look at it but must leave it (unless a coin or something like that).  Arrowhead collecting on public land is now a no-no.

Good luck on contacting the other owner, and hope you get permissin to MD the properties, no telling what may turn up.

Really interesting stuff, thanks for posting the photos and the links. 

Neat stuff!

I fascinated with this sort of thing. An uncle of mine, down in Pratte KS had about a dozen gallon sized fish bowls FILLED with arrowhead and pieces...plus had 100's of perfect pieces, arrowheads and tools, that he displayed. All were found right in his neighborhood. There was a triangle (by road lay out) right acroos the street from his house...when we'd visit(as a kid) you could pick just about any spot and start digging...you were almost guaranteed to find some artifacts. It has long since been built up...who's knows how much remains.

Definately check it out its interesting. When it comes to the butte itself its tricky. My dad brother and I hunt the area and know a lot of the land owners. The butte is on private property and only accessable through a very ruff prairie trail. It is owned by two people. The buttes south face, summit,  and 1/4 of the north face is owned by the person I know and hes okay with it (escpecially since the finds aren't really historically signifigant). Thats the place i was. The north face aswell as the sight of the skirmish itself is owned by someone I dont know so I avoid that place in general (although Im trying to get in contact so I can possibly metal detect the sight). Also the butte is climbed every so often by people to have bonfires aswell as prairie dog hunting.

History always worth relating.

i look forward to reading about the 1874 Skirmish.

Is it ok to take stuff?

Bill