Visit Georgia’s Pine Mountain Gold Museum

The Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica, Georgia chronicles the discovery of gold in this area of west Georgia in the mid 1820s. The site of the first major gold rush in the state was 75 miles northeast of Villa Rica in the town of Dahlonega. However, gold was found in a band stretching from the northeast Georgia mountains as far to the southwest as the Villa Rica area. The gold rush in Georgia lasted into the 1840s and was one of the factors leading to the removal of the Cherokee and Creek Indians from the area in what became known as “The Trail of Tears.”

The Villa Rica area was the site of 19 commercial gold mining operations during the gold rush days. By 1900 Pine Mountain Gold Mine was the only one left. Production continued at this mine until the beginning of World War II. Most of the gold found in this area was gold dust. It was among the most pure in the world, at 98% pure from the ground.

The Pine Mountain Gold Museum contains exhibits and artifacts related to gold mining. The museum’s theater shows a 20 minute film on the history of the mine. After seeing the museum visitors can head outside to view the ruins of the gold mine. There is a covered area where visitors may enjoy panning for gold and gemstones. A 19th century gold stamp mill may also be seen on the grounds.

The gold museum is located in 27-acre Stockmar Park, which has three miles of walking trails. The park features an authentic grist mill and water wheel. Visitors may enjoy a picnic at the park’s pavilion. There is also a live farm animal area at the park that has oxen, pot bellied pigs, chickens, pygmy goats, sheep, a donkey, and a horse.

There is no admission fee to enjoy the park and the grounds. Museum admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children ages 5-12. The fee for gold panning is $5 per bucket. The town of Villa Rica is easily accessed off I-20, 35 miles west of Atlanta. Stockmar Park and the Pine Mountain Gold Museum are located at 1881 Stockmar Road. The park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-4pm. The museum is closed on Sunday.

A visit to the Pine Mountain Gold Museum is fun and educational for the entire family. Come and learn the history behind the discovery of gold in Georgia.

By: A. Lanteigne

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Debbie Wells is the Director of Sales for Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Airport North Hotel. This Atlanta Airport hotel is located only 1 mile north of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and provides complimentary 24-hour Atlanta airport hotel shuttle service. Guests will truly love this Atlanta airport hotel’s amenities and their location. For more information visit: www.ATLANTA-AIRPORT-HOTEL.COM