Georgia State Parks - Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site

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Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site

Historic Site (706) 864-2257

Come see our new, award-winning film.

Twenty years before the famed 1849 gold rush in California, thousands of prospectors flocked into the Cherokee Nation in north Georgia, marking the true beginning of our country's first gold rush. Their dramatic story is told inside the historic 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse in Georgia. Dahlonega prospered with this mining activity, and a U.S. Branch Mint opened in 1838, coining more than $6 million in gold before closing in 1861. The museum's exhibits include a set of these coins, a nugget weighing more than five ounces, a large hydraulic cannon and nozzle used to blast soil from mountainsides, a film and gift shop. Visitors can also explore the courthouse features, including beautiful wooden chapel seats from 1889 and the judge's chambers. The town of Dahlonega is a popular destination for gold panning, shopping and sightseeing.

NOTICE: Some exhibits are on the second floor and are not wheelchair accessible. Guidelines from the National Register of Historic Places prevent the addition of an elevator to this building.

Teacher's Resource for Touring Historic Sites

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday, 10AM-5 PM; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Admission: $2.50-$4.
Group rates available with advance notice.

Nearby Attractions
Consolidated Gold Mine
Crisson Gold Mines
The Smith House (family-style food)
Dahlonega/Lumpkin County
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve
Heart of Georgia's Wine Country
Historic Holly Theater
Vogel State Park - camping and cottages
Amicalola Falls State Park - lodge, camping and cottages
Unicoi State Park - lodge, camping and cottages
Smithgall Woods-Duke's Creek Conservation Area
Ellijay Apple Farms
Burt's Farm

Note: Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site has no reservable facilities.

Events

Appalachian Jam
Now until Saturday, Oct 25, 2008 - 2 PM - 6 PM

Listen to the sounds and songs of yesteryear. North Georgia's mountain music singers and pickers will appear on the grounds of the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum. Enjoy acoustic and old-time strings as the sounds of yesterday fill the air. 706-864-3513.

Rescuing a Piece of Romantic History
Now until Thursday, Jul 31, 2008 - 9 AM - 4:45 PM

Sweetheart jewelry, mementos from the Civil War given from soldiers to their loved ones, will be on display during July. This loan from The National Museum of Patriotism is part of the largest collection in the world. $2.50 - $4. 706-864-2257.

A Tribute To Georgia Authors
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 9 AM - 4:45 PM

Meet eight local and national authors who will bring their newest releases and older favorites. They will be glad to sign copies and add personal notes. Two new authors will be in attendance this year with their first publications. $2.50 - $4. 706-864-2257.

Visiting Artist Series
Saturdays & Sundays 9 AM - 4:45 PM until Nov 8, 2008

Artisits and craftspeople from Georgia and surrounding states will demonstrate their arts or crafts. They will have their works for sale in the museum. $2.50 - $4. 706-864-2257.

Dahlonega Gold Museum Open House
Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 9 AM - 4:45 PM

As part of Dahlonega's Old Fashion Christmas, the museum's admission fee will be waived for the day. Visitors can learn about the nation's first gold rush and see historic coins minted in Georgia. 706-864-2257.

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Address/Directions
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
1 Public Square
Dahlonega , GA 30533

Mailing Address
1 Public Square
Dahlonega, GA 30533

Located on the Public Square in Dahlonega, 5 miles west of Ga. Hwy. 400.

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Make reservations using the options above or call 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
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