In 1979, a couple of local Richmond, Va. relic hunters happened to be working on a new construction site in downtown Richmond at Canal and 15th-17th Streets. The site was to be the location of the new Richmond Water Treatment Plant.

By luck, they accidentally started finding some Civil War relics where the bulldozers had started digging for a settlement tank. At first, some Confederate buttons were found, so they started digging in earnest. Numerous items were unearthed including buttons, burnt shirt cloth, partial and whole twists of tobacco, one sword, and a couple of belt plates. Many diggers descended on the area but in two days the construction company put up additional fencing and strict “No Trespassing” signs. All relic hunting was forbidden on the site for insurance reasons.

It was soon learned that the site was the location of the old Mayo Tobacco Warehouse. Belonging to then Richmond's Mayor, Joseph C. Mayo, and near the north end of the 14th Street Bridge also known as "Mayo's Bridge," the Warehouse had been rented to the Confederate Central Government. It was one of three in Richmond to house Confederate stores. On the night of April 1-2, 1865, when Richmond fell and was evacuated, it was set afire by retreating Confederate troops crossing over the "14th Street Bridge" to the Southside of the James River.

This coat sized lined “C” button is one of those recovered at that time.

The face is in very good condition. There are no pushes but the side behind the letter is slightly curled. All details of the letter are visible.

Reverse has a back of melted tin with no shank.

Item comes displayed in a small box with a printed label relating the history of the button.  [ad]  [ph:L]

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