[Detector]

In the early history of Fort Dodge many soldiers still used the older flintlock rifles. In the 1870's the army sent out the new Spencer carbines to replace the old musket loaders. Their was a question as to what to do with the old weapons. They clearly didn't want them falling into the hands of the Indians.

It was decided they would pack the rifles in pigs grease and case them up 10 to a box. They would be sent out with patrolling company's who would bury them at locations all over the plains.

I have seen 1 box of these rifles recovered and they were in very good shape for their age.