Custom Search
|
|
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
The initial discovery of gold was made on land owned by John Reed, a farmer who had settled in Cabarrus County during the Revolutionary War. Reed’s 12-year old son brought home a large yellow rock that he had found in a creek on the family’s land. Not knowing what the rock was, the family used it as a doorstop for three years. John Reed finally took the rock to town where it was identified as a 17 pound gold nugget. Other farmers in the area began searching for gold on their properties, and the first American gold rush began. Slaves did much of the initial hard and dangerous work at the Reed mine. In the early surface mining was done on the Reed property primarily along Little Meadow Creek. The largest gold nugget found on Reed’s property was one found in 1804 weighing 28 pounds. Underground work wasn’t begun until 1831. The Reed Mine remained a close family operation, passing to the sons and grandsons. By 1854 the gold was almost gone, and in 1855 the sheriff auctioned off the property for about ¼ of its previous value. The new owners did little additional mining, and the mine closed in 1860 at the start of the Civil War. By 1895 new owners were again working the mine. A last large nugget weighing 23 pounds was found in 1896. The Reed Gold Mine became a state historic site in 1976. Portions of the underground tunnels have been restored and opened for guided tours. A Visitor Center has displays of gold and exhibits of mining technology and equipment. A short film chronicles the discovery of gold at the site. Visitors may also tour an ore crushing stamp mill on the property. The historic site also offers a gift shop, picnic area, and trails. The Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site is located at 9621 Reed Mine Road in Midland. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5pm. Admission to the site and tours of the mine are free. There is a charge of $2 per pan for visitors who would like to try panning for gold. Gold panning is available from April 1 through October 31. A visit to Reed Gold Mine is educational and fun for the entire family. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Mr. Patel is the General Manager at the Super 8 Monroe North Carolina Hotel. If you're looking for a great Monroe North Carolina hotel, you'll love the Super 8! This hotel in Monroe NC is conveniently located on Hwy. 74 (Roosevelt Boulevard). You’ll find friendly staff waiting to accommodate your lodging needs at this Monroe North Carolina hotel. For more information visit: www.MONROENORTHCAROLINAHOTEL.COM |
|