In the decades following the Civil War, an era of relic hunting swept across the United States. Enthusiasts, amateur historians, and even opportunists scoured battlefields and historic sites, unearthing artifacts that once adorned the uniforms and weapons of soldiers who had fought valiantly for their cause. It was a time of discovery, as these artifacts offered a tangible connection to the past.

However, as interest grew, the sites that held these treasures were at risk of being irreparably damaged. To protect the nation's historical legacy, the National Park Service was established in 1916. With its creation a watchful eye was turned on unregulated Civil War relic hunting, with federal regulations later enacted. However, it remains a constant battle preserving these hallowed grounds for generations to come.