COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho —A YouTuber based in North Idaho discovered an artifact dating back to the late 1800s in Coeur d’Alene.
The host of the North Idaho-based YouTube series Rustiest Catch, Aaron Lee Berg, found an old bullet while doing a metal detecting expedition. After being evaluated by the Museum of North Idaho, they discovered that the bullet was most likely used by the same firearms used by the Army at Fort Sherman in the late 1800s.
“I was metal detecting for an episode of Rustiest Catch on CDA beach, just down from Fort Sherman, when I came across this incredible find,” says Berg. “Given its unique nature, I felt it had to be evaluated by the Museum of North Idaho. After an expert reviewed it and confirmed its connection to Fort Sherman, I felt it was only right to donate it to the museum for others to enjoy for years to come. I love all things history, and I want others to enjoy and learn from it as well.”
The Museum of North Idaho said the bullet was in great condition, most likely the best condition they’ve seen or had of an old artifact. The museum did not want to be filmed on their evaluation and the artifact’s role in regional history. Berg said in a press release that he will be shooting a new episode to update viewers on the importance of this find.
Berg posted a video on YouTube about his discovery on Sept. 27, 2024. You can watch his entire video by clicking on this link or going to his YouTube Channel, Rustiest Catch.
In an email from the Museum of North Idaho, they said that their expert could only confirm that is the type of bullet used at Fort Sherman during the 1890s but have no way to determine who fired the rifle or when it was fired.
