Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site - Midland, North Carolina
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site - Midland, North Carolina
Gold mining in the United States started here in Midland! In 1799 a 12 year old boy named Conrad Reed discovered a 17 pound gold nugget while fishing in Little Meadow Creek, which was on his family farm.
No knowing the value of the nugget and having used it for 3 years as a door stop in their home, John Reed (the dad) sold the nugget to a jeweler in Fayetteville for $3.50!
Upon his return home he partnered with three friends and began surface mining and panning. Reed's discovery began the nations' first gold rush. This was nearly 50 years before the famous 49ers Gold Rush in California. Thousands of people came to North Carolina to mine. This created the second largest
occupation in the state with farming being number one.
With the success of the mining in North Carolina, in 1837 a new branch of the US Mint was established in Charlotte. Charlotte is still the nation's second largest banking center. The original Mint is now the Mint Museum of Art.
The Reed Gold Mine is the only underground gold mine in North Carolina open to the public. Visitors take a guided tour through 400 feet of restored tunnel. You will be able to pan for gold from April - October and see the exhibits of gold and historic mining equipment. You can tour the 1885 Stamp Mill as well as watch a film about North Carolina's gold mining heritage.
There are also walking trails available on site.
Admission: Free
Panning: $2 per pan.
Location: 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, North
Carolina
Phone: 704-721-4653
