LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Reed Gold Mine (NC Historic Site)

Visitors can explore the gold mine and see historical mining equipment, gold ore, and much more at this North Carolina historic site.

Preview your trip on the web: Reed Gold Mine (NC Historic Site)

Learn more

  • North Carolina Geological Survey Explore the geological maps of North Carolina, learn about the minerals that can be found there, and check out the questions that students are asking geologists.
  • Lesson plan: Learn about your county This activity will allow fourth grade students in North Carolina to learn more about the counties that surround their home county. Using online images, students will create a multimedia presentation to share with others.
  • The Reed Gold Mine A brief history of Cabarrus County farmer John Reed and his gold mine, from the first discovery of gold in 1799 to the establishment of a valuable and productive mine.
  • The North Carolina Gold Rush Gold was discovered in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in 1799, and within a few years, the North Carolina Gold Rush was on. Men arrived in the Piedmont to work in the mines, many of them from Cornwall in England.

Related pages

  • McCulloch Gold Mill: Take a trip to the McCulloch Gold Mill and learn the history and geology of the Triad area. Students will love panning for gold and gemstones!
  • The Reed Gold Mine: A brief history of Cabarrus County farmer John Reed and his gold mine, from the first discovery of gold in 1799 to the establishment of a valuable and productive mine.
  • Colburn Earth Science Museum: The best rock and mineral specimens from the Burnham Standish Colburn collection are housed in the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Students will enjoy the programs that are centered around this collection of fossils, gems, and North Carolina minerals.

Related topics

Legal

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Located in Cabarrus County, Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. From this discovery, gold mining spread gradually to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During its peak years gold mining was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed.

Portions of the underground tunnels at the Reed mine have been restored for guided tours. A visitor center contains exhibits of gold and historical mining equipment. An orientation film highlights the first gold discovery, and tours of a restored ore-crushing stamp mill are offered. A picnic area is available, and trails wind through the historic mining area.

The Reed Gold Mine is located at 9621 Reed Mine Rd. For more information, call (704) 721-GOLD (4653) or email reed@ncmail.net

See: The Reed Gold Mine from the North Carolina Archives.

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