Most Georgians know that Dahlonega, (derived from the Cherokee word - Talonega) is North, Georgia's "Gold City". Our little town's history goes back to the days before the Cherokees. Even before officially documented, historians state that Hernanado De Soto found gold in Dahlonega in the early 1540's. Historians claim that the Spanish mined alongside the Cherokees until the early 1700's.
Dahlonega, Georgia is the home of the first major gold strike in the United States and gold fever ignited a craze that brought 15,000 miners running for the North, GA hills. Some 871 thousand ounces of gold from 1830 through 1959 and folks flocked from all over the country in search of their fair share of the wealth.
Gold in Dahlonega is close to 24 karat (100% purity), some of the purist in the world. Gifts of gold were pounded into thin sheets and attached to the top of the State House in Atlanta. Half Eagle, the Federal gold $5 coin and Quarter Eagle, the $2.50 gold coin were other notable uses for this quality gold. The Dahlonega mint ran production of precious gold coins through the years of 1838-1861.
Miners panned for gold in the beautiful Chestatee and Etowah rivers as well has mining the mountains. Gold can still be panned for on tours given by Crisson Goldmine and Consolidated Gold Mine to name a few. The gold rush brought commerce and population to our city and riches to those who came, but the times were not without their sacrifice in which is still visible today.
Damage to Crown Mountain and other surrounding areas are evident from the years of Placer mining, panning and hydraulic mining. Hydraulic mining, using water pressure to chip away at the mountain face and left excessive erosion. This method left deep ridges and flat drop offs that evident in many areas of town, although damaging to our beautiful hills, we are left with a souvenir from a time of hopes of prosperity and growth.
Today, Dahlonega is buzzing with locals and tourist enjoying the unique shops and awesome dining on the little square. There are several excellent winery and vineyards making Dahlonega "Georgia's Wine County." Enjoy a visit to the Dahlonega, Gold Museum to learn more about this little gold mining town's history.
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