Not many people realize North Carolina was at the core of the great American gold rush. In fact, the very first documented gold mine was right here in The Tar Heel State. It all began in 1799 when young John Reed found a 17-pound gold nugget just lying among the rocks in a stream on his family farm in Cabarrus County. Unaware of what it was, the family used the pretty stone as a doorstop for the next three years.

Then, a jeweler got wind of it and asked to have a look. Reed ended up selling it to the jeweler for a mere $3.50.
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The jeweler hadn't told Reed what it was, of course. The fair market value of the lump of gold at that time is estimated to have been $3,600.
The following year, in 1803, the family began a small gold mining operation.
Google/Catrina Spendlove
Soon after, a worker found another giant gold nugget. This one weighed 28 pounds!
Reed continued placer mining (which is mining directly in stream beds and above ground) from 1803 to 1831.
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In 1831, the family began mining using another method and the official start of underground mining at the Reed mine commenced.

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No available public records could be located to document just how many and how long the tunnels of Reed's Mine were.
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But today, this state historic site is open for self-guided tours where visitors can explore 450 feet of the old underground mine shaft.
Afterward, for a more $3.21, visitors can pan for gold and other precious gems.
Facebook/Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
John Reed died a rich man in 1845. Underground mining operations continued at the mine until 1921. It's estimated that annually, at least a million dollars worth of gold was pulled from America's first commercial gold mine.
And people are STILL finding gold.
Facebook/Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
What will you find at the Reed Gold Mine?
Admission to the mine, the visitors center and museum is free.
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Self guided tours are available betwee 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Guided group tours of the underground mine shaft are available on the hour.

What a fun and educational day trip for the family! Will your family strike it rich? There’s only one way to find out!

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site is located at 9621 Reed Mine Rd., Midland, NC 28107. Gold panning is a seasonal activity and begins April 2, 2019. The cost is $3.21/person. Children under the age of eight can pan with a paying adult. Learn more on this page of the official website.

For another kind of treasure hunt, head to this massive antique mall in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina!

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