Around Town
When you Explore Rabun, you’ll discover
Our Mountain Treasure! by CJ Thompson
S
ometimes the treasure you’ll find in our mountains, actually is treasure! In the past, people came to the mountains to look for gold. Just about 200 years ago, gold was discovered in North Georgia and the second greatest gold rush of the country began in these mountains. People flocked to the area in search of “mountain treasure.” It is estimated the Georgia Gold Rush netted over 870,000 ounces of some of the prettiest gold ever mined. When the gold yields started to play out in the mid 1800’s, commercial gold mining in the north Georgia mountains came to an end, as any remaining gold would have cost more to get out than it was worth. Many of the Georgia miners moved on to the next great gold rush in the west. However, those that remained developed an appreciation for a different sort of “mountain treasure” they found here. It is this legacy that we value most today. Our “Mountain Treasure” is a little less tangible than a nugget of gold. It’s found in the beauty of a stunning sunrise over the mountain tops, the crashing thunder of a waterfall, the crisp fall air and the sparkling stars in a clear night sky, and in the laughter and good company you’ll find in the people of our community. Another type of treasure you can find in our mountains is the local art that is produced here. We have a wealth of truly talented artists and craftsmen that reach back to the heritage of mountains for the inspiration for their work. Sometimes known as Traditional Folk Art, crafts in the mountains began as functional skills for making necessary items. Skills such as weaving, carving, soap making, pottery making, blacksmithing and many more, were handed down through generations. Over the years, the talent people had for creating their wares was refined into an art form. Today, the art forms and the pride the craftsmen and women have in their work is still thriving, especially here in Rabun County. Just stop in at the Foxfire Museum and Gift Shop to see the stunning
Blacksmith plying his art at Foxfire Museum & Gift Shop 78 - www.laurelofnortheastgeorgia.com - April 2022
Self-taught artist Charlie Lucas’ work can be found at Main Street Gallery in Clayton
