This Day in History: October 27, 1828, Dahlonega Gold Rush begins

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - On October 27, 1828, America’s first gold rush began in Georgia when a man walking through the woods of Dahlonega kicked a stone that turned out to be gold.

Six people claim to be the first to find gold in North Georgia, but regardless of who was truly first, thousands of people flocked to Dahlonega to get in on the riches.

A branch mint was established in Dahlonega, producing $6 million in gold coins from 1835 to 1861.

The state of Georgia preserved some of the gold for all Georgians to enjoy. It sits at the very top of the state capitol building in Atlanta as the gold dome.

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