Before gold was discovered in North Georgia in 1829, only hunters and a few settlers had come to the mountainous area that was home to the Cherokee and other native tribes. But when word spread that gold nuggets were being unearthed in the area, the nation’s second gold rush was on.
On August 1, 1829, the Georgia Journal newspaper included this account:
“GOLD. A gentleman of the first respectability in Habersham county, writes us thus under date of 22d July: ‘Two gold mines have just been discovered in this county, and preparations are making to bring these hidden treasures of the earth to use.’ So it appears that what we long anticipated has come to pass at last, namely, that the gold region of North and South Carolina, would be found to extend into Georgia.”
At the center of the gold rush was the small town of Dahlonega, GA. Quickly filling with prospectors and others, the rough-and-tumble town grew quickly, including a local branch of the US Mint to process the local bounty.
Today, a few prospectors still pan for gold in area streams, and others dig into hillsides. Dahlonega’s gold-rich past is well documented at the local gold museum. And like many other towns in America, the local Walmart is a beacon for area shoppers.
Wonders Below Walmart
But under this Walmart, you’ll find a gold mine, including deep shafts open to exploration as part of a gold mine tour.
The Consolidated Gold Mine operated for only 11 years before being abandoned in 1906. Unlike traditional mines which follow veins of gold, miners dug out quartz from the Dahlonega hillside shafts. Then, in a 120-stamp mill nearby, the quartz was crushed to recover the gold.
According to local accounts, while mining was difficulty, dirty and dangerous, high pay drew miners into the mine’s deep corridors. Farmers might earn an average of 30 cents for their never-ending work tilling the surface soil. But miners could make $1 per day for each 12-hour shift.
We joined a small-group tour of the Consolidated Gold Mine along with our grandkids, part of a weekend get-away to nearby Vogel State Park. Descending the three sets stairs and additional ramps into the mine, our guide regaled us with history and legends of Dahlonega’s gold rush past.
Watch for Cars!
Deep below ground, we walked through the abandoned shaft, careful not to trip on the remaining mine car tracks that follow the route. When all was quiet, the only sound was water dripping down along the rock down into the mountain.
When our guide turned out the lights, we were surrounded by dark nothingness, unable to see even our hands a few inches in front of our face.
During our 40-minute tour, we walked through several hundred feet of the mine. We were glad we brought jackets, as the underground temperature hovered in the mid-to-high 50F-degree range. Along the way, saw some of the old mining equipment used in the mine, and learned about the techniques used to recover the quartz and gold.
After the tour, we joined in a demonstration of gold panning. Our grandsons delighted in the activity, especially when they found the tiny gold flakes they got to keep as souvenirs of the adventure.
Finding More with Drones
We learned that the mine’s owners hired a high-tech firm to explore more of the historic mine’s reach, in hopes of opening more of the mine to visits. Using ground penetrating radar, plus flying and underwater drones, the firm created 3-D and other detailed maps of abandoned tunnels. In all, they estimated that Consolidated’s holdings in its multiple mines included more than 4.5 miles of tunnels. They were hoping to open additional tunnels to touring, which may require a return visit in the near future.
Where’s the Gold Today?
Consolidated’s owners know there’s more gold hiding in and around its tunnels. But the cost of recovering the remaining gold would exceed the estimated value, so it remains undisturbed underground. But prospectors who pan for gold in streams nearby still find gold flakes.
Now, if you want to find today’s gold, look above the mine at Walmart. The average Walmart store brings in more than $82 million each year for its corporate shareholders. Overall, Walmart’s global earnings topped $572 billion — yes, BILLION, with a B! — making it the world’s largest retailer and one of the most valuable global brands. So, today, prospectors might do better investing in Walmart than in panning or digging for gold.
More Consolidated Mines History
Mining is a dangerous activity, for miners and investors. Consolidated Mines LTD was founded with a value of $5 million. The company used a variety of promotion methods to gain attention and attract investors. You can learn more about mining, mine investment and how Consolidated pursued new investors by checking out this 1899 pamphlet. It details the property, equipment, and land use rights of the Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Company. Plus, it served as informational and promotional material to potential investors.
For a narrative history , long-time tour guide Greg Sheppard researched and wrote a book entitled, The Rise and Fall of the Mighty Consolidated Gold Mine. The book is for sale at the mine, and at other locations in Dahlonega.
Learn More About Tours
Where: Consolidated Gold Mine,185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 3053
Website: https://consolidatedgoldmine.com/
