History of Georgia's Gold
Referenced from Bulletin 4-a of the Georgia Geological Survey Published 1896
W.S.Yeates State Geologist S.W.McCallie and Francis P. King Asistant Geologists
Let us first begin by saying that Gold was found prior to the Georgia Gold Rush of 1828,
in North Carolina in 1799 on the Reed Plantation. It was found by one of the Reed family's sons,
a boy we believe to have been 12 years old. Who found a fairly large sized nugget appx 8.5" long
by 5" wide and appx 1" thick rumored to weigh 28 lbs. Quite a nice piece for a discovery on a
creek down on the farm.
But enough said, lets get into Georgia and some of it's history. Going back as far as 1542
De Soto was here with a Spanish exploration/mining operation of 600 men of which only 4 returned,
later followed by Tristan de Luna
with a mining expedition of 300 men in 1560 in whats now known as North Georgia
"Then called Cherokee County".
Hence Cherokee was divided into what counties you see on the maps
of today. You will find atrifacts and relics to this very day, along the Coosa if you really look
hard for them. The Gold was mined and also traded for with the local Native Americans "Indians".
Moving forward a few hundred years to the early 1800's, Gold was found again, but by white settlers
once again. This was on Dukes Creek in Habersham County in 1829, a nugget weighing appx 3oz was found there.
Well the word spead like wildfire, "GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS" and the flood gates opened.
It wasn't long before the hills were crawling with Gold Prospectors/Miners.
Most of the early operations were placer oriented in nature. meaning the recovery of free Gold
or loose Gold, in flour, flake and nugget form in the local streams and rivers. It was not uncommon
in some areas for a miner, with only a Gold Pan to do 30 - 50 penny weight in a days work.
All of this Gold was just laying around and very easy to get to, only because most of it was
surface deposits. Requiring very little digging or excavation by todays standards.
The North Georgia Mtns, became so over run by Miners, that Gov Gilmer in 1831 issued a
proclamation and got the U.S. MILITARY into the area, to root out the illegal miners and their
operations. At the time there were between 6 and 10,000 miners located between the Chestatee and
Etowah Rivers.
But no luck there, as soon as they ran out one group and left, another moved in to take their place.
In 1831 alone $212,000.oo in Gold was found and made it's way to the U.S. Mint, according to the
reported statistics in the 1896 Bulletin 4a Mining Geological Survey by State Geologist Yeates and his assistants
S.W.McCallie and Francis P.King. Not a bad haul by a bunch of rag tag miners, if I say so myself !!!
Between the years of 1838 and 1861 the Gold recovered from the State of Georgia amounted to
$6,115,569.oo and added up to a total coinage stamped at the Mint in Dahlonega built in 1838
to 1,381,784 coins of various values.
Although its been said by many locals of the area, "That the Gold sent to the Mint in Dalonega
was only a portion of what had been recovered. There was quite a bit that went to the U.S. Mint in
Philadelphia, Pa that was never recorded or added to the tally from the State of Georgia.
The total amount of Gold recovered in Dollar value in 1896, taken from the year of 1799 to 1895 was
documented to be $16,228,730.oo and the Silver at $7,000.oo... keeping in mind that Gold at the time
was valued at any where from $2 to $20 an ounce during that time period.
Furthermore, State Asistant Geologist S.W.McMallie did state that;[quote]
"There is likely no county in the State, where legitimate Gold Mining has been carried on so
successfuuly, as in Cherokee. The early mining was confined almost entirely to placer-workings
which were both numerous and profitable" [end quote]...
Moving forward to todays time period, there still is alot of Gold laying around for the modern
day Prospector. Only times have changed, we're using much more sofisticated equipment today.
Production losses of yesteryear reached as much as 60% on many occassions. if you look hard
and study the areas you're in, its very possible that you may find an old Long Tom or Stamp mill
maybe and old tailing pile from an old mine that was productive. Who knows, but ya have to look.
But you must keep in mind, many of these areas are on private lands. Now owned by someone.
It's best, when in doubt go knock on a door and ask for info or permission. more than likely
you'll get it and be good to go !!!
If you're planning on going into a National Forest, stop off at the Ranger Station and get the
particulars on the areas your wanting to prospect. There are many maps made available to you,
both by the Forest Service and Private Publications. They range from a few dollars to maybe $10.
In some instances they're even free. Always check first, it takes maybe 15 minutes and it can
mean much to your experience and discovery of Gold. Keep in mind, Private Map publications,
can be a bit pricy, some even over priced for their worth. We reccommend the
"U.S.G.S MAPS THEY ARE HIGHLY ACCURATE, REALLY WORTH IT".....
And remember, when you're in the Nat'l Forest. Not all areas are open to prospect. There are
areas where it may be National Forest, but the mineral rights are or could be privately owned.
Thats why its best to check it out with the Forest Rangers first.
CONTENTS OF THIS SITE ARE COPYWRITED 1998-2002©
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