Dahlonega in Lumpkin County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Calhoun Gold Mine
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Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 3, 2025
1. Calhoun Gold Mine Marker
In 1828 while deer hunting Benjamin Parks, of Dahlonega, accidentally found quartz gold in pockets or lodes. His find was so rich in gold that it was yellow like yolk of eggs.
Shortly after discovery this mine was sold to U.S. Senator John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. It was operated by Thomas G. Clemson, son-in-law of Calhoun, and some of the gold was used to found Clemson College, S.C. Specimens from this mine are exhibited at the State Capitol in Atlanta.
Erected 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 093-1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 34° 29.305′ N, 83° 58.387′ W. Marker is in Dahlonega, Georgia, in Lumpkin County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Calhoun Gold Mine Road, on the right on U.S. 19. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dahlonega GA 30533, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep 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 original Cherokee Nation, 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Findley Ridge (approx. 2.4 miles away); The Station
this page online
Regarding Calhoun Gold Mine. The site of the mine is on private property.
Photographed by David Seibert, May 2, 2010
2. Calhoun Gold Mine Marker
Photographed by David Seibert, May 2, 2010
3. Calhoun Gold Mine Marker
Looking north: Calhoun Gold Mine Road is in the foreground, and US Highway 19 to the right, headed north. The marker is well hidden in the reddish clump of bushes to the left.
Photographed by David Seibert, May 2, 2010
4. Calhoun Gold Mine Marker
US 19 looking south is to the left; Calhoun Gold Mine Road, leading to the mine, is to the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,448 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 13, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
