Welcome to Dahlonega, Georgia... home of America's first gold rush! Most people are not aware that gold was actually discovered here in this small mountain town about 20 years before the California gold rush. The official story is that it was discovered in 1828, although there is evidence that it was actually being mined illegally on Cherokee land for about 10 years before that date. Back then, the town was called Licklog.
The town is designed around a courthouse square like many small Southern towns. This building was the original courthouse for what is now Lumpkin County and is the oldest one in Georgia. 
It now houses the Dahlonega Gold Museum, where you can see mining artifacts and find out all about this important part of Georgia history. There is even a gold nugget weighing more than 5 ounces on display! The discovery of gold in California in 1849 ended our Georgia gold rush as most of the miners headed west to heed the call...There's gold in them thar hills!
Each year, Dahlonega hosts an "Old Fashioned Christmas" and the town is decorated with wreaths, red bows and lots of garlands made of natural materials. You can take a little tour of the shops around the square. I think the photos of this charming little north Georgia mountain town speak for themselves.
Thanks for joining me for this little tour of Dahlonega. Please come back again! Visitors are always welcome!If you are interested in more information about the gold rush in Dahlonega, Georgia, please visit this site: http://ngeorgia.com/history/goldrush.html
What a charming place Debbie!I wish I could wander into every single store!Did you do a litle Christmas shopping here?*winks* Vanna
ReplyDeleteI just love the town, all decked out for Christmas! So pretty. I did not see any mice running away! lol I just wanted you to know I did not mean to leave you are anyone off the list! It was such a fun day that everyone created with the mice! Thanks so much for the tour! It was so lovely! Not all town deco. as much as this one! It was a real treat! I could see myself riding in a sleigh pulled by horses! We have a town 30 miles away thats decked out and have the sleigh rides! I had forgotten, maybe I will talk hubby into taking me! Thanks for helping me to remember! I think it will be so much fun! Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteOh, I just love these wonderful small southern towns. There is so much history and wonderful architecture. I'll bet every shop is filled with the most amazing goodies. Thanks for the tour, the decorations are just gorgeous. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteVery cute town, Debbie! Thanks for this tour, and it's interesting about the gold!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
I loved this tour. What a beautiful little town and the architecture is just gorgeous. I especially love the bear door greeter, how cute. I bet there are some amazing finds here. I must say though, that I'm glad they changed the name of the town lol. Hugs, Kathy
ReplyDeleteIn the Christmas rush, I somehow missed this wonderful post. What a perfect Christmas town-everything looks like something from a Christmas movie. Thanks for sharing this. laurie
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately for me Dahlonega is a tad North of our travel line for Georgia. I still harbor hopes of visiting there one day. The history is so interesting. I especially like that the capital building is covered in gold leaf made from gold mined in Dahlonega.
ReplyDeleteI can see from you pictures that I need to try to make this trip during December. Thanks so much for this post. I'm afraid, out of sight out of mind, has been the rule for me. I had completely forgotten about my desire to visit Dahlonega. If I don't have occasion to speak with you again before the big day, I wish for you the happiest Christmas you can envision and the best 2009 imaginable.
Hi Glenda...I hope you get to visit Dahlonega one day. It is such an interesting little town! I always look forward to seeing a little note from you on my blog. Have a wonderful Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteThis is a MUST stop for me this summer...OOOO I wish it could be in the Christmas season though!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely images you have snapped!Goodness, you are getting better and better!