Original “Mountain Treasure”

Just about 200 years ago, in around 1829, gold was discovered in our North Georgia mountains, part of the first gold rush in the country, which started in North Carolina, and the second most significant, next to the famous California gold rush of 1849. During this time, 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, due to the fact that Georgia gold was close to being 24 karat, 100% pure.

The first discovery of gold in Rabun County was just north of Burton, at the confluence of Moccasin Creek and the Tallulah River. According to our own Rabun County Historical Society, “John Morris is believed to have made the first discovery of gold in Rabun County in the 1830s on a parcel of his land along Dick’s Creek, west of the town of Burton, which now is submerged under Lake Burton. Mining operations in this area ceased during the Civil War, but later resumed for another 25 years. The county’s other primary gold field was on land owned by James Stonecypher along Moccasin and Wildcat creeks, also on what is now the western shore of Lake Burton. At one point, Rabun County was home to almost 30 gold mines.”

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.

Today, people come to our area to find a treasure that may not fill their pockets, but it does fill their hearts. What we value today are the experiences we are able to have in these stunning mountains that we can’t get anywhere else. If you’ve ever seen the 100 mile, 360° views from the observation platform at the top of Rabun Bald, you’ll know what I mean. If you’ve ever felt the rush of adrenaline as you shoot the rapids of Bull Sluice on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga river, you’ll know what I mean. If you’ve ever had to stop and catch your breath both from climbing the Hurricane Falls Trail stairs and the majesty of the Tallulah Gorge, you’ll know what I mean. And if you’ve ever sipped a wonderful glass of wine while watching a spectacular sunset at one of our amazing mountain wineries, you’ll know what I mean. I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

Although today, our “Mountain Treasure” is less tangible than a nugget of gold, it’s no less real and just as valuable. It’s found all around us, 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. And fortunately for us, this treasure is ours to keep, to cherish and to share. Whether near or far, we hope our “Mountain Treasure” will continue making your life rich!