The picturesque town of Dahlonega, GA, at the feet of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of Georgia wine country, is filled with dramatic tales of gold. It is here, between the beautiful mountains, the roaring waterfalls, and bubbling streams, where prospectors flocked to make their fortunes.
1. The Historic Town Square
The quaint downtown district with its 19th-century architecture is listed on the National Register and home to the historic Gold Museum, formerly the 1836 Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, and numerous galleries, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The charming historic square is the hub of the town where artists sketch and paint and musicians play their melodies.
2. Gold Museum
Gold in the town was discovered purely by accident. A deer hunter, Benjamin Parks, tripped over a rock, and when he looked at it, it was pure gold! The story got out, and some 15,000 miners rushed to the area where gold just laid on top of the ground. By 1828 the gold rush in the region was in full swing.
The Gold Museum tells the story of the years before the famed 1849 gold rush in California, when thousands of prospectors already flocked here to find gold. The museum features gold coins minted in the town, a nugget of more than five ounces, and a water cannon. The highlight is a film of old timers telling stories about the dramatic history of the town.
3. The Diving Bell
Hancock Park, next to the square, boasts the old Chestatee River Diving Bell. The bell was manufactured in 1875 to allow miners to search for gold in the river. This contraption is an open bottom iron box or barrel that is lowered into the water. Air is forced up and trapped inside to create a pocket of air. This allowed miners a limited time to breathe underwater.
4. The Mines
Consolidated Gold Mines, Inc. and Crisson Gold Mine are the most exciting of all the gold attractions in town. Crisson Gold Mine was founded in 1847 and showcase a working century-old stamp mill. The mine sells everything a prospector needs to search for gold.
Consolidated Gold Mines, Inc., the town’s largest gold mine, offers underground tours down the shaft. Here you can experience life as a gold miner and receive gold panning instructions from the best panners in the world. You can pan for gold yourself and take your gold flakes home with you.
5. The Waterfalls
The majestic waterfalls in the area are some of the most beautiful in the country. The falls include the breathtaking and famous 729 feet high Amicalola Falls, the highest in Georgia. Desoto Falls has upper and lower waterfalls, which can be reached by a scenic trail over a pretty footbridge. Both falls have decks with seating areas.
Take a picturesque hike to Helton Creek Falls and go for a swim at Dick Creeks fall. There are also the beautiful Raven Cliff, Cane Creek, Clay Creek, Creek, Anna Ruby, and the Montgomery Creek Falls.
This beautiful town is drenched in history, dramatic tales of gold and fortunes, and surrounded by spectacular beauty. Visit Chestatee Ford today for the best, top-quality automotive services in town.
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