Calhoun Gold Mine

Lumpkin County · dedicated 1953 · Located at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Calhoun Gold Mine Road in Dahlonega.

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 lodes. 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.

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Calhoun Gold Mine

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