Consolidated Mine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mine
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Glory Hole at the Consolidated Gold Mine
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lumpkin County, Georgia |
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| Nearest city | Dahlonega, Georgia |
| Area | 92.5 acres (37.4 ha) |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architect | Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Co. |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001111 |
| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1980 |
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 Georgia (U.S. state) |
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| Country |  USA |
| Production | |
| Products | Gold |
| History | |
| Closed | 1906 |
| Owner | |
| Website | http://www.consolidatedgoldmine.com |
The Consolidated Mine was a famous gold mine in Lumpkin County, Georgia, near the town of Dahlonega. People likely started looking for gold here during the exciting Georgia Gold Rush. This was a time when many people rushed to Georgia hoping to find their fortune.
At first, miners used a method called placer mining. This meant they looked for gold in riverbeds and loose dirt. By 1880, most of this easy-to-find gold was gone. Miners then discovered gold deep inside hard rock, in huge quartz veins. They dug deep into the ground, creating a large shaft known as the "Glory Hole." This area was known as "the richest acre" because of how much gold it held.
Contents
A Mine's History
How the Mine Started and Grew
After some time, the mine stopped working for a bit. Then, in 1895, a group of people bought about 7,000 acres (28 square kilometers) of land. They started a new company called the Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Co. This company built a huge machine called a stamp mill. It was the biggest stamp mill east of the Mississippi River. Stamp mills crush rock to get the gold out.
Why the Mine Closed
Even with the big stamp mill, the mining company eventually closed down in 1906. The lower parts of the mine filled with water and stayed that way for 75 years. Later, new owners took over the site.
Visiting the Consolidated Mine Today
Explore a Real Gold Mine
Today, there is still gold in the Consolidated Mine. However, it costs too much money to dig it out compared to what the gold is worth right now. But that doesn't mean the mine is forgotten! A part of the mine's upper level is now open for visitors. You can go on a tour deep underground into the "Glory Hole."
What You Can See and Do
When you visit, you can see original cart rails that miners used. You can also see old electrical lines and even a working pneumatic drill. This drill was found in the mine and brought back to life. A fun part of the tour is getting to pan for gold yourself! You might even find a tiny piece to take home.
A Safe Adventure
The Consolidated Mine is one of two mines in the Dahlonega area open to tourists. It is the only one considered safe enough for visitors to go inside. It offers a unique look into Georgia's gold mining past.
