Rutherfordton in Rutherford County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Bechtler's Mint
Photographed by Michael Sean Nix, December 21, 2008
1. Bechtler's Mint Marker
Erected 2002 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. (Marker Number O-16.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 35° 22.321′ N, 81° 57.461′ W. Marker is in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, in Rutherford County. It is at the intersection of Washington Street and 6th Street, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rutherfordton NC 28139, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. John's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Adair (about 600 feet away); Carrier-McBrayer House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carrier-Ward House (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Charters of Freedom (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stoneman's Raid
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Also see . . .
1. Christopher Bechtler. (Submitted on December 21, 2008, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina.)
2. Bechtler House.
Built in 1837, it became the home to Christopher Bechtler in 1838 and forever forged in the history books at the home of America's first $1 gold coin...The Bechtler Family moved to North Carolina right when gold fever was hitting the state. Local miners and businessmen appealed to the U.S. government to establish a mint to meet the needs of the burgeoning gold industry. Congress ignored the request. Christopher Bechtler did not.(Submitted on August 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)
3. The Gold Mile.
The Gold Mile is a 1-mile loop around downtown Rutherfordton that leads to the Bechtler House. Travelers can experience an easy stroll past historic homes and buildings, downtown galleries and boutiques, and other points of interest along the way. The developing sidewalk trail is minted with commemorative gold coin replicas of Bechtler's $1 gold coin.(Submitted on August 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)
Photographed by Mark Parker, August 4, 2024
2. Bechtler's Mint Marker in front of current house
Photographed by Michael Sean Nix, December 21, 2008
3. Present Day Structure on Site
Photographed by Mark Parker, August 4, 2024
4. The Bechtler House
Located 200 feet east of the marker on West 6th Street, it is the headquarters of the North Carolina Gold Trail, as well as the heritage center in Rutherfordton.
Photographed by Mark Parker, August 4, 2024
5. Replica of Bechtler's minted $1 gold coins
A part of the "Gold Mile" on the sidewalks in downtown Rutherfordton, used to provide funding for the Bechtler House in Rutherfordton.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2008, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,239 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 21, 2008, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 3. submitted on December 21, 2008, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on August 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
