Price Memorial Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
Price Memorial Hall
|
|
Location | 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, Georgia |
---|---|
Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1879 |
NRHP reference No. | 72000387 |
Added to NRHP | January 20, 1972 |
Price Memorial Hall, also known as the Price Memorial Building, is a very old and important building in Dahlonega, Georgia. It stands where a special U.S. government building, called a 'mint,' used to be. This mint made coins and was built way back in 1836.
That old mint building burned down in 1878. Then, a new university, which was one of the very first 'land-grant' colleges (meaning it got land from the government to help people learn farming and military skills), built Price Memorial Hall right on its old foundation. You can find a special sign, called a historical marker, there today. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1972. You can find it at 82 College Circle.
Price Memorial Hall Today
Price Memorial Hall is the oldest building still standing on the University of North Georgia's campus in Dahlonega. Today, it serves as the main office building for the university's leaders and staff.
Honoring William P. Price
In 1934, the building was officially named in honor of William P. Price. He was the person who started the University of North Georgia. He also used to be the head of its Board of Trustees, which is like a governing board.
Price was also a U.S. Representative, meaning he was part of the U.S. government. He worked very hard with a law called the Morrill Act. This law helped make sure the university was created as both an agricultural (farming) and military college. Before Price passed away, Price Memorial Hall was simply known as the "main building."
The Famous Gold Steeple
A beautiful gold steeple was added to Price Memorial Hall in 1972. This steeple is special because it's covered with real gold from Dahlonega. Dahlonega is famous for being where the first major gold rush in the United States began in 1828.
To make the steeple shine, 13 ounces of gold were flattened into several thin sheets. These sheets were then carefully placed to cover the steeple. This renovation was the first time the steeple had been replaced. The project cost almost $100,000. Price Memorial Hall is only the second building in Georgia to use real Dahlonega gold on its exterior.