Traveling Tuesday: Georgia's Gold Rush

Traveling Tuesday: Georgia’s Gold Rush 

 

The southern state of Georgia is bordered by Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia is the last and most southernmost of the original thirteen colonies. The state’s geography varies from the mountains of the Appalachian Mountain system to the Piedmont plateau and coastal plains. 

 

Named after King George II of Great Britain, the colony covered an area from South Carolina south to Spanish Florida and West to French Louisiana at the Mississippi River. The colony was administered by the Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in American. The Oglethorpe Plan was implemented to aid in the colony’s settlement, envision as an agrarian society of yeoman farmers. 

 

Spain invaded the colony in 1742, however, they were defeated by British forces and withdrew. Ten years later, the government failed to renew subsidies that supported the colony, and the Trustees turned over control to the crown, creating a crown colony ruled by a governor appointed by the king. 

 

Georgia was one of the thirteen colonies to revolt against the British during the Revolutionary War, and in 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. From 1802 to 1804, western Georgia was split to form the Mississippi Territory which later was admitted as the U.S. states of Alabama and Mississippi. 

 

In 1829, Georgia became the site of the second significant gold rush in the U.S., overshadowing the

previous rush that occurred thirty years earlier in North Carolina. No one can agree on an accurate version of the original find that kicked off the rush. Versions of the story include Frank Logan or his slave, John Witherood (or Witherow/Withrow), or Thomas Bowen making a find in Dukes Creek; North Carolina prospector Jesse Hogan finding a nugget at Ward’s Creek, or Benjamin Parks finding gold in the woods while out for a walk on his birthday. 

 

Whatever the truth, word got out quickly about the gold, and thousands of men and women showed up seeking their fortune. By 1830, there was a reported four thousand miners working Yahoola Creek alone and approximately 300 ounces per day were being produced. (It is unclear as to whether this is per day or per person per day). In any event, over $200,000 in gold had been received by the Philadelphia mint by the end of the year. 

 

Unfortunately, much of the land where the gold was found belonged to the Cherokee people, and tensions flared between the U.S. and Native Americans. To solve the situation, President Jackson authorized the Indian Removal Act of 1830 that led to the forced migration, later known as the Trail of Tears. 

 

In 1832, the state held a gold lottery and awarded land to the winners in 40-acre tracts. Gold continued to pour out of the mountains and by 1837, the Philadelphia mint had received nearly $1.1 million. The Dahlonega Mint was created the following year. In addition to panning, efforts began to work the lode deposits which meant digging shafts and tunnels to access the minerals. 

Stamp mills began to appear in 1833. By the 1840s, the mines saw a sharp decline as the gold began to “play out.” When news of the 1848 California rush reached Georgia, miners dropped what they were doing and head west in search of more gold. 

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A brand-new widow, she’s doesn’t need another man in her life. He’s not looking for a wife. But when danger thrusts them together, will they change their minds...and hearts? 

 

Hannah Lauman’s husband has been murdered, but rather than grief, she feels...relief. She decides to remain in Georgia to work their gold claim, but a series of incidents makes it clear someone wants her gone...dead or alive. Is a chance at being a woman of means and independence worth risking her life? 

 

Jess Vogel never breaks a promise, so when he receives a letter from a former platoon mate about being in danger, he drops everything to help his old friend. Unfortunately, he arrives just in time for the funeral. Can he convince the man’s widow he’s there for her protection not for her money? 

 

Gold Rush Bride: Hannah is the first book in the exciting new series Gold Rush Brides. Steeped in romance, intrigue, and history, the story will keep you turning pages long into the night.

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