Dahlonega's Famed Findley Gold Mine - Originally published in Georgia Backroads, Spring, 2012, p.40.
After panning all the "easy gold" from Yahola Creek, prospectors faced the challenge of removing ore from hard-to-reach, hard-to-work veins deep in the earth.
Lumpkin County's Historic 1836 Courthouse - Originally published in Georgia Backroads, Autumn, 2011, p.18.
In addition to routine legal transactions and proceedings , Dahlonega's historic courthouse has witnessed slave auctions, military maneuvers, carnivals and other unusual events.
The Rich and Enduring Legacy of Dahlonega's William P. Price - Originally published in Georgia Backroads, Spring, 2010, p.46.
Native son William Price was a leader who left a lasting mark on his mountain hometown and the school known today as North Georgia University.
Remarkable Diving Bell Reclaimed from the Chestatee River - Originally published in Georgia Backroads, Autumn, 2008, p.8.
More than a century ago, enterprising miners enclosed in an iron submersible craft scooped gold-laden sand and rock from the bottom of the Chestatee River. Was this amazing vessel the precursor to the first Civil War submarine? [See here for answer]
Readin', 'Ritin' & 'Rithmetic - Originally published in Georgia Backroads, Summer, 2006, p.43.
A century ago, schooling was only three miles and five stream crossings away for many youngsters in the Georgia mountains. Isolated by the rugged terrain and committed to long hours of toil on the farm, north Georgians developed rather unconventional approaches to education.
Tales of the Old Mountain Roads - Originally published in Georgia BackRoads, Winter 2006, p. 44.
Today, the Chestatee River crossing known as Leather's Ford lies submerged under the waters of Lake Lanier. This once famous but now nearly forgotten location was a landmark known to many - first to Native Americans and later gold prospectors and other travelers to the Georgia frontier.
Dahlonega's George Gordon and the U.S. Civil War - Originally published in Georgia Backroads, Summer, 2004, p. 34.
Though a Northern by birth, George Augustus Gordon was a strong believer in the issue of "states' rights." His letters during the war provide provide a fascinating glimpse of the terrible circumstances of this tragic conflict.
Historic Dahlonega College Arose from Ashes of Horrendous Fire - Originally published in North Georgia Journal, Spring, 1998, p. 7
Built in 1837, the Dahlonega Mint building turned out gold coins until operations ceased in 1861. It was donated to the state of Georgia in 1871, and became a branch of the University of Georgia. On a cold winter night in 1878, it was destroyed by a horrific fire. All was not lost, however, for on the old mint foundation, a new structure was built which still impresses visitors today.
Print of the Dahlonega Branch Mint Found - Originally published in North Georgia Journal, Spring, 1998, p. 15.
North Georgia College secretary finds lost print of Branch Mint.
The Ghost Town of Chestatee and the Copper/Pyrite Mines - Originally published in North Georgia Journal, Spring, 1998, p. 40.
Though one might not know it today, a bustling mining town once existed six miles east of Dahlonega, Georgia.