Did you know that the first discovery of gold in the United States took place in North Carolina?

 One of my favorite hobbies is exploring historical places within driving distance of Charlotte and the Reed Gold Mine is definitely one of my favorite discoveries. I had no idea that the first documented gold find happened just half an hour from downtown Charlotte! The museum is amazing and free tours take you back in time to the 1800's and the great gold rush. My favorite part of visiting the Reed Gold Mine is getting to pan for gold for only $3/pan. This activity takes me back to the days of panning for gemstones in the NC mountains and is great for kids of all ages.

What: Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
When:  Open April to October, Tuesday through Saturday, 9am-5pm
Where:  9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, NC 28159
Cost:  Admission is free; gold panning is $3/pan
Website:  Reed Gold Mine

The Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. In 1799, Reed's son, Conrad, found a large yellow rock shining through the water while fishing along Little Meadow Creek and brought it home. This stone weighed 17-pounds and served as a doorstop at the Reed home for three years as the family did not realize the value of the find. In 1802, a jeweler saw the rock and offered the family $3.50 (their asking price) for it. In actuality, the chunk of gold was valued at $3,600. This discovery sparked the beginning of the great gold rush in the United States that eventually spread across the country.

On April 19, 1896, Jacob Shinn discovered a 23-pound gold nugget on the property of John Reed along the Little Meadow Creek in Midland, NC.  This was the largest piece of gold found at the Reed Gold Mine and 2016 marks the 120th anniversary of this the Shinn Nugget. Throughout the mine's history, over 100 pounds of large gold nuggets were discovered. 

The Reed Gold Mine visitor's center is free and provides guided tours of some of the underground tunnels and old mining equipment and tools. There is also a lovely picnic area available for visitors as well as several trails throughout the grounds and mining area.

Are you thinking of selling your home? If you would like any information on buying or selling a house, please contact us at www.OneHomeTeamRealty.com. 

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Wayne Bennett - Broker Owner/Realtor®
GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SFR, CDPE
Licensed in NC & SC
One Home Team Realty
C: 704-293-3931
F: 704-749-2030

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