DIGSTOCK II – A Historic Gathering in Chazy, New York

Attended by 600+ guests from over 42 states and Canada

In the fall of 2021, the quiet agricultural town of Chazy, New York, transformed into a vibrant hub of history, camaraderie, and discovery during Digstock II. Building on the momentum of the original Digstock Mini in North Carolina earlier that year, this second event more than doubled in scale and brought together over 600 metal detectorists from across the United States and Canada.

Held from October 9–11, 2021 on over 1,000 acres of farmland near Lake Champlain and the Great Chazy River, Digstock II offered an extraordinary mix of scenic beauty and historical depth. Participants were given access to fields rich in American history—from War of 1812 encampments to Revolutionary-era homesteads—making this a prime location for those in search of buried relics and lost stories.

A Weekend of History, Adventure, and Community

From the moment attendees arrived, the excitement was undeniable. Friday kicked off with a pre-hunt check-in and meet-and-greet that set the tone for the weekend. Conversations buzzed under the tents as hunters scoped out the landscape and swapped stories with old friends and new.

Throughout the event, vendors and manufacturers such as Minelab, XP, Garrett, Nokta Makro, and others were onsite offering equipment, swag, demos, and expert guidance. American Digger® Magazine attended to document finds and capture the event’s spirit, while the Clinton County Historical Association helped catalog artifacts and share insights into the region’s rich past.

Buried Treasure Comes to Light

As hunting began on Saturday morning, the fields quickly yielded incredible finds. Early reports included a 1690 Chinese cash coin, War of 1812 buttons, Revolutionary War USA insignia, Civil War buckles, Native American tools, and 19th-century silver and copper coinage. A massive display case—branded with a bold DIGSTOCK logo—filled rapidly with impressive relics, proudly displayed by participants.

Notable recoveries included:

• A pristine 1893 Victoria fish scale coin

• An 1813 half penny and sword hanger

• A silver 1826 capped bust dime

• Several large cents, draped busts, and Civil War-era tokens

• A Native American stone axe and gorget

• Buttons ranging from early 1800s infantry to US general service

• Dozens of War of 1812 buttons and a War of 1812 shoulder belt plate

These discoveries were not limited to seasoned veterans. First-time diggers and young hobbyists like nine-year-old Cole Curry made remarkable finds, reinforcing Digstock’s welcoming environment for all skill levels.

A Festival-Style Experience

While the digging was the main attraction, Digstock II delivered much more. Food trucks, social lounges, giveaways, seeded hunts, and live demos created a festival-like setting. XP Deus hosted a speed hunt, Garrett organized photo ops with YouTube personalities KG & Ringy and Gypsy Jewels, and Nokta Makro ran a “Kid Zone” that made the event enjoyable for families as well.

Attendees got to meet some of their other favorite YouTube personalities such as Brad Martin from Green Mountain Metal Detecting, Nugget Noggin, Quarter Hoarder, and many more.

Many hunters took advantage of the multiple test areas set up by manufacturers to compare detectors and accessories. Raffles were held during lunch hours to give everyone time to participate, and a laid-back beer truck on site gave weary diggers a place to recharge and share stories.

More Than Just an Event

What set Digstock II apart was not just the scale or the finds—it was the sense of shared purpose. As one participant noted, “The location, the finds, the fellowship, camaraderie, and the energy of the event made Digstock an epic event that will be remembered for a very long time.”

From dawn to dusk each day, detectorists explored field after field with enthusiasm, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for history. As the final day came to a close, many expressed the same sentiment: they didn’t want it to end.

Looking Ahead

The incredible success of Digstock II proved that the passion for metal detecting is alive and thriving. With thousands of relics recovered, countless stories exchanged, and new friendships forged, the event exceeded expectations on every level.

Following this unforgettable weekend in Chazy, the Digstock team immediately began planning future events—building on the lessons and excitement of 2021 to bring even more history to the surface.

Stay tuned for our next post covering Digstock III, held in Spring 2022 on over 3,000 acres of historic farmland in North Carolina.

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Covered and an awesome article on this entire event can be read in American Digger Magazine Volume 18, Issue 1