Historic Gold Hill | home
About Us/Contact Us
General Info, Website, ect... When sending an email, please put Historic Gold Hill in the subject line
Vivian Hopkins 704-267-9439 or 704-279-5674
Rental Info for Gold Hill Mines Historic Park including: Russell-Rufty Shelter, Log Barn, Amphitheater, and other areas of the park:
Sonja Taylor 704-279-5777
Rental Cost
Russell-Rufty Shelter $250 per Day (Two Day Minimum for Weddings)
Log Barn $60
Amphitheater $150
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Read More about Historic Gold Hill in the Following Publications
Gold Mining in North Carolina
A Bicentennial History
Richard F. Knapp and Brent D. Glass
The first documented discovery of gold in the United States was in 1799 at John Reed's farm in Cabarrus County. This book traces the history of gold mining in North Carolina from that discovery to the twentieth century. The authors present case histories of John Reed and his mine and of the Gold Hill mining district in Rowan County, along with material on other gold mining activity in the state. Includes a glossary of terms pertaining to gold mining and a bibliography. More than 60 black-and-white illustrations enhance the text.
Gold has been an important part of North Carolina's history 1799, the date of the first authenticated discovery of gold in the United States. North Carolina was the nation's only gold producing state from 1803 until 1828, and continued as a leading producer until 1848 when gold was discovered in California.
By about the 1830's the leading mines in North Carolina were hard-rock mines rather than surface placer operations. Output probably peaked in the early 1830's and then again in the late 1840's. The most famous mines in the south were at Gold Hill, where one shaft, (The Randolph) eventually reached a depth of 800 - 850 ft. Writer and illustrator, Porte Crayon, visited Gold Hill in 1857 for Harper's Magazine (Harper's Weekly) and created the best surviving images of antebellum Carolina mining. The Federal Government built a branch mint at Charlotte which coined southern gold from 1838 until the start of the Civil War in 1861.
North Carolina Office of Archives & History Department of Cultural Resources
The photo on the book's cover was taken around 1880 at the Union Gold and Copper Mine at Gold Hill, NC.
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Kimball's Field Guide to Gold Hill, NC
The Essential Guide to Gold Hill
Mr. Kimball goes a long way to demonstrate the relation of Geology to the History of this quaint early 1800's gold mining town. From a 'Layman's ' perspective, he writes it as he sees it for the first time, describing his acute sense of awe and amazement. The book is an essential guide to the Historic Sites and Landmarks in the 70 acre 'Gold Hill Mines Historic Park'. Take in as much or as little as you want in the park, then embark on a journey through the tiny Historic Mining Village of Gold Hill.
"I know you'll enjoy the reading. Richard has the knack for drawing you into the story. Even if you can't come to Gold Hill, after reading this book, you'll think you did." V. Hopkins
