Gold Hill, North Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gold Hill, North Carolina
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 Gold Hill, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
Gold Hill, North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Rowan |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.51 sq mi (6.49 km2) |
| • Land | 2.49 sq mi (6.44 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 761 ft (232 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 372 |
| • Density | 149.52/sq mi (57.73/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
28071
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| Area code(s) | 704 and 980 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2812801 |
Gold Hill is a small community in Rowan County, North Carolina, United States. It is an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own local government. It is also a census-designated place (CDP). This means the US Census Bureau defines it for gathering population data. In 2020, about 372 people lived there. Gold Hill is located near the Yadkin River. You can reach it by U.S. Highway 52.
Contents
Gold Mining History
Gold was first found in the Gold Hill area in 1824. Before the American Civil War, about $6 million worth of gold was mined here. This led to a mint being built in Charlotte to process the gold.
Famous Gold Mines
Two important mines were the Barnhardt shaft and the Earnhardt/Randolph Mine Shaft.
- The Barnhardt shaft opened in 1842. It went down 435 feet deep.
- The Earnhardt/Randolph Mine Shaft opened in 1843. It reached a depth of 850 feet. This made it the deepest gold mine in the United States at that time.
These two mines were known as "the richest and most productive gold mines east of the Mississippi". Gold Hill became an official town in 1843. It had about 3,000 people and 23 mines in the area.
Decline of Mining
The California Gold Rush and the American Civil War caused gold mining to slow down. After the Civil War, mining started up again. A company from London, England, called 'The New Gold Hill Mining Company', bought the mines. They made good profits from 1880 to 1900. However, gold production finally stopped by 1915.
Gold Hill Today: A Historic Village
Gold Hill has become a popular place for visitors. It focuses on preserving its rich history.
Founders' Day Celebration
The first Founders' Day event happened in 1989. It was so popular that people decided to make it an annual event. A group was formed to create a foundation. This foundation would help find and protect the town's history.
The Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation, Inc. started in 1992. That same year, the second Founders' Day took place. Founders' Day is now an annual event held on the fourth Saturday in September. It takes place at the Gold Hill Mines Historic Park.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park
The Gold Hill Mines Historic Park began in 1993. It started with 16 acres of land donated by Billie Johnson. Over time, the park grew to 70 acres.
Historic Buildings and Attractions
Several buildings in Gold Hill date back to the 1840s. These include the E.H. Montgomery General Store, Mauney’s Store, the old jail, and a rock wall.
Many other historic buildings have been moved to Gold Hill and restored. This has helped create a "re-creation" of a historic village.
- A gas station built in 1928 was moved to Gold Hill in 1998.
- The File Store, built in 1906, was moved from near Salisbury in 2001.
- A miner's cabin was moved to Gold Hill in 2011. It was then turned into a bakery.
The Daniel Isenhour House and Farm is also an important historic site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 372 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 |
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According to the 2020 census, Gold Hill had a population of 372 people. Most of the people living in Gold Hill are White. There are also smaller numbers of people from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.
