In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Rutherford County, including our cherished Chimney Rock and Lake Lure communities, has experienced significant challenges. The storm brought widespread damage, affecting homes, businesses, and our natural landscapes.
The NC Gold Rush happened almost 50 years before the California Gold Rush. Explore the NC Gold Trail and learn more about how the first discovery of gold in…
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The N.C. Gold Trail
Did you know that before the California Gold Rush there was the NC Gold Rush? In fact, North Carolina led the U.S. in gold production until 1848.
The North Carolina Gold Trail is a heritage destination trail that spans across the state whose purpose is to educate visitors about the NC Gold Rush and the significance it played in the history of the U.S. Headquartered in Rutherfordton, NC, the trail takes you on a tour of some of the state's most historical sites and events including:
Bechtler House - Home of Christopher Bechtler who minted the first $1 gold coin in 1832, over 17 years before the U.S. Mint made one of their own.
Reed Gold Mine - Where the first discovery of gold in America was found in a creek by a twelve-year-old Conrad Reed in 1799, almost fifty years before the California Gold Rush.
Historic Gold Hill - A nineteenth century gold mining boom town.
