Dahlonega in Lumpkin County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Lumpkin Court House

Photographed by Brad Kostelny, June 27, 2018

1. Lumpkin Court House Marker

Inscription. This court house, built in 1836, replaced the small log structure used since the establishment of Lumpkin County in 1832. The town was named Dahlonega in October, 1833, for the Cherokee word “Talonega” meaning “golden.”

From its steps in 1849, Dr. M.F. Stephenson, assayor at the Mint, attempted to dissuade Georgia miners from leaving to join the California gold rush. His oration gave rise to the sayings: "There’s millions in it," and “Thar’s gold in them thar hills.”

Erected by Works Progress Administration (WPA). (Marker Number 19 B-7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1833.

Location. 34° 31.94′ N, 83° 59.08′ W. Marker is in Dahlonega, Georgia, in Lumpkin County. It is on Public Square South 0 miles east of South Chestatee Street (Business U.S. 19), on the right when traveling east. Public Square South is the parking area for the stores on the south side of the square. 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

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are within walking distance of this marker: Dahlonega Stories (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Dahlonega Stories (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Dahlonega Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); Lumpkin County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dahlonega Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); Lumpkin County Historic Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dahlonega Stories (within shouting distance of this marker); The Public Square (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dahlonega.

Also see . . . Gold Rush. Account of the gold rush at New Georgia Encyclopedia website. (Submitted on September 24, 2018, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)

Photographed by David Seibert, May 2, 2010

2. Lumpkin Court House Marker

Lumpkin Court House and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 3, 2025

3. Lumpkin Court House and marker

Lumpkin Court House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, May 2, 2010

4. Lumpkin Court House

The view of the old Court House, now the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, from the marker.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 3, 2025

5. Lumpkin Court House

Lumpkin Court House N.R.H.P. plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 3, 2025

6. Lumpkin Court House N.R.H.P. plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,691 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 2, 2021, by Brad Kostelny of Merritt Island, Florida. 2. submitted on May 18, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3. submitted on July 24, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 4. submitted on May 18, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 5, 6. submitted on July 24, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.