So lucky Atlantans that we are, we’re just down the road from the fabulous town of Dahlonega. Centered on the old courthouse, it’s ripe with quintessential Georgia charm. It’s one of those places that makes you think “Wouldn’t it be nice to live here?”
While Dahlonega’s shops and festivals are wonderful, today’s post is all about gold. Seems fitting with the Olympics going on and all. But first, a very brief history.
Gold rush
Dahlonega was home to the first major gold rush in the United States. Surprised? Well, 20 years before the 49ers went rabid in California, north Georgia hosted the beginning of gold fever in what was the home of the Cherokee Nation.
So if you’re interest is piqued, here’s how to find out more.
Dahlonega Gold Museum…
The Dahlonega Gold Museum is part of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites and occupies the “old” Lumpkin County courthouse that’s smack in the middle of Dahlonega’s town square.
It’s a small museum so it doesn’t require a huge time investment but it is very interesting. Definitely make time for the movie on the second floor. It’s a great overview of the gold rush days in Georgia and will give you much more insight into the artifacts housed at the museum. The exterior second floor entrance also provides a wonderful vantage point to look down on the town.
For your geocaching pleasure, the museum is part of the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites History Trail challenge. In this case, the geocache also happens to be a fabulous educational opportunity for kids and adults alike because you have to scour the museum for answers to questions that will give you the combination to the locked geocache. Excellent field trip for any type of student but definitely right up our alley here at Camp Granola.
Consolidated Gold Mines…
Once you’ve gotten a taste of history at the museum, head over to Consolidated Gold Mine for some panning action and a tour of what was the largest gold mining operation east of the Mississippi. Again, the film at Consolidated is a worth the time for the insight it provides. Even Fred and George, at only 11 and 7 years old were rapt in wide-eyed wonder throughout the movie.
The 40-minute tour is also very engaging simply to see the old mine shafts, some artifacts, and possibly a few bats. Plus, don’t we all look fabulous in hard hats? It stays a crisp, cool 60 degrees year-round so keep that in mind as you head in. Proper footwear is key as well. Check out the Consolidated Gold Mine website for up-to-date details.
And of course, kids love the gold panning. Pretending to be gold miners certainly sparks their imaginations! Fred and George still love their little vials of real gold, even a couple of years after their last visit.
More Dahlonega
Both the museum and gold mine are accessible year-round and in all weather. So rain or shine, cold or hot, you can enjoy these great destinations.
Of course, Dahlonega is not all about gold. There’s lots of other great places to visit and they play host to fun festivals. For a quick starters guide, have a peek at this Southern Living feature on the town as well as the excellent Dahlonega Visitors Center website.
If you are planning a visit, I recommend the Crimson Moon Cafe as well as The Fudge Factory a few doors down. They’re both right across the street from the museum so that’s about as easy as it gets in terms of navigating a new town.
Oh, and if you want to blend in with the locals, don’t butcher the pronunciation of “Dahlonega.” I’ll leave it to you traveling sleuths to figure that one out on your own though. Consider it your homework assignment!
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