Calhoun Gold Mine
Lumpkin County, Lumpkin County, Georgia
Marker Inscription
Calhoun Gold Mine 1 Mi. Famous Calhoun Gold Mine where it is said vein gold was first discovered in Georgia by white men. In 1828 while deer hunting Benjamin Parks, of Dahlonega, accidentally found quartz gold in pockets or loads. His find was so rich in gold that it was yellow like yolk of eggs. Shortly after discovery this mine was sold to U.S. Senator John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. It was operated by Thomas G. Clemson, son-in-law of Calhoun, and some of the gold was used to found Clemson College, S.C. Specimens from this mine are exhibited at the State Capitol in Atlanta. 093-1 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1953
Erected by Georgia Historical Commission
The Story
About a mile from here lies the Calhoun Gold Mine, said to be where vein gold was first found in Georgia by white prospectors. According to tradition, Benjamin Parks of Dahlonega stumbled on quartz gold while deer hunting in 1828, striking a find so rich it looked like egg yolk. The mine was later sold to Senator John C. Calhoun and worked by his son-in-law Thomas G. Clemson, whose fortune helped found Clemson College.
Why it matters
The strike helped ignite the Georgia Gold Rush of 1828—the nation's first major gold boom—drawing miners south a full generation before California.
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Related people
- · Benjamin Parks
- · John C. Calhoun
- · Thomas G. Clemson
Related events
- · Georgia Gold Rush
Themes & tags
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