Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site

Before the California gold rush drew people west across the United States, people headed south to northern Georgia for gold mining. The story of this southward gold rush is alive and well at the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site. The museum is located inside of the historic 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, which is the oldest of its kind in the state. The town of Dahlonega benefited from this gold rush activity and in 1838, a United States Branch Mint was opened in the town. The mint made more than $6 million in gold before it closed its doors in 1861. Today, visitors can see exhibits at the museum that include several of these coins, a hydraulic cannon and nozzle that was used in the blasting of mountainsides for mining, a nugget of gold that weighs more than five ounces, an educational film and a gift shop. The courthouse is also open for exploration by visitors and guests can view and sit in the chapel seats made of wood that date back to 1889, as well as the judge's chambers. Those with an interest in gold panning, history, quaint shops and sightseeing will enjoy a trip to the town of Dahlonega.