Deep in the heart of Lumpkin County, you’ll find an attraction that is unlike any other in the state of Georgia. It’s the perfect blend of natural intrigue with some incredible bouts of true Georgia history. Whether you’re looking to explore something new, or perhaps simply take the family away for the weekend to enjoy one of the top things to do in the state, this may just be the place you’ve been waiting for.
Flickr James St. John
In 1828, gold was discovered in the Dahlonega, Georgia. Contrary to popular belief, this was actually twenty years prior to the Gold Rush to California. The discovery was a complete accident. Dee Hunter Benjamin Parks tripped over a rock a half-mile south of Dahlonega. After stumbling, he went back to find what it was that stood in his path. Turns out, it was a rock filled with gold. Within the year, more than 15,000 miners made the trip to Dahlonega, finding gold on top of the ground, as it washed off the mountainsides for centuries. However, after most of the gold was picked up off the ground, the miners then started to pan the streams and rivers, then eventually started mining deep into the depths of the mountains for more.
Flickr James St. John
Did you know that you can actually tour the same coal mine that these miners did decades ago? It’s a trip that will transport you back in time. Take a look at why Consolidated Gold Mine is the coolest attraction in Georgia.
A man named Knight found an area in Dahlonega where several extremely large quartz veins were running together forming one giant vein in the mountain.
Flickr Neal Wellons
This quartz vein, which also contained gold, measured more than 20-feet thick—one of the largest veins of quartz discovered in the world containing gold to this day.
Flickr Neal Wellons
The huge quartz/gold vein system was found to be sloping downhill at a 45 degree angle, heading deep underneath the water table.
Flickr Jared
Investors found this spot to be extremely valuable and bought 7,000 acres of land around the discovery sightplus smaller mines nearby, which is what created the Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Co. in 1895.
Trip Advisor janmottola1
The price of gold was either too low, or the iron that attached itself to the quartz vein was too difficult to mine, which led to the caves and tunnel systems being abandoned.
Flickr Jared
Although eventually going out of business, this mine system was reported to be the very first attempt at systematic, deep underground mining and quickly became legendary.
Flickr Jared
Today, visitors in Dahlonega can see the giant tunnel system by way of guided tours throughout the year.
Yelp Mick K.
Tour guides provide information about the history of the largest gold mining operation ever established east of the Mississippi River.
Trip Advisor Master Blaster1
If you’re looking to plan a visit to these old gold mines, then use this address to guide you there:
Flickr Neal Wellons
Flickr Jared
Trip Advisor janmottola1
Yelp Mick K.
Trip Advisor Master Blaster1
185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30533
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Have you visited Consolidated Gold Mine before? Share your experience with us! Or if Georgia attractions are more your speed then Walk Behind A Waterfall For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience In Georgia.
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