The men first stuck with placer mining which is just digging up gold from the ground. They dug around the Little Meadow Creek in an area now known as the potato patch. In 1825 underground mining began after a local farmer named Matthias Barranger discovered gold in the white quartz rocks. In 1831 Reed and his investors followed suit and his underground mining quickly became quite profitable. In 1834 the discovery of a 13 pound nugget left the partners disgruntled in how to divide the nugget. It closed the mine for 10 years while the family battled in country. It was settled prior to Johns’ death in 1845 at age 88.
John died quite a wealthy man from his gold prospecting. His home included 745 areas of land and 18 slaves. His wealth when he died was a substantial (for the time) $40,000. Though for most of his life he fancied himself as a farmer and would only worry about the mine when he wasn’t tending to his crops. It was estimated that about $2 million worth of gold was taken from the mine.
In the 1850’s gold mining was an active industry in the Carolinas. There was so much gold discovered here that NC was nicknamed the Golden State before California would take on the official moniker. In December of 1837 the US government built a branch of the mint to Charlotte. More than $5 million worth of gold coins were minted here. It was eventually shut down during the Civil War. Today it serves as the Mint Museum of Art. George Barnhart, son-in-law of John, started his own gold mining production at nearby Gold Hill. Today visitors can still visit the historical site.
After John’s death his grandson (Timothy) and son-in-law (Andrew Hartsell) took over the business. The family was not able to sustain the mine and in 1852 it was sold to new owners and was the last time it would be in the Reed family. It changed hands a number of times and mining was done here throughout the years. The last major find was in 1896 when Jacob L. Shinn discovered a 23-pound nugget. In the 1890’s the Kelly family of Ohio took over the mine. The last excavation of the mine occurred in 1912.
In 1966 the US Department of the Interior designated the mine as a National Historic Landmark. The Kelly family continued to own the mine until 1971 when they sold it to the NC Division of Archives and History. In 1976 the General Assembly approved $650,000 to develop the site for use as a public site. In April of 1977 it was open to the public. In the 1980’s a stamp mill, from a nearby operation was added to the site. Today it is still run under the NC Historic Sites. And judging by the number of people that were there when we visited, it is one of the most popular sites.
Today visitors are treated to a unique hands-on experience. When you first arrive in the visitor’s center make sure to check the board to see when the next movie and tour starts. There is a 22 minute film which starts with Conrad’s discovery through the gold rush in the Carolinas. There is a museum inside the center which shows how gold was mined, the tools needed, and the end result. There is even an astronaut helmet. In 1969 gold was used on the visors of the helmet to protect the astronaut’s eyes from the sunlight on the moon.
This is also where the tours for the underground caverns begin. Tours are offered about once an hour. You just need to be in the vicinity of the entrance when it is time for the tour to start. On our visit, Kim and Norman would be our guide. You are lead down a walking path past old mining instruments and over the Little Meadow Creek where young Conrad made his discovery and by the potatoes patch where the family first started their mining efforts. You are then lead to the entrance of Linker Shaft where the underground portion begins. On our outing the group was so big that we had to divide up into 2 groups. You will eventually descend 55 feet below ground through narrow and damp corridors. You will see as white quartz glistens under the dampness of the earth, equipment that the miners used, and at one point you can look straight up and see the opening to a shaft and realize just how far into the ground you are. Kim was a terrific guide explaining the mining process to us all and answering questions from the crowd. 30 minutes later we reemerged into the sunlight and our tour ended here.
From here you have several options. You can simply return back to the visitor’s center or parking lot. You can take one of several walking tours throughout the property including a tour which goes by the stamp mill. There are markers along the way to explain what you are seeing. You can rest and enjoy the Little Meadow Creek. Or turn left onto Gold Street and try your luck at panning for your riches. You just simply show one of the employees your ticket and go grab a place along the water filled trough. Someone will bring your rock filled pan over. Panning is not as easy as I though. You have to move the silt and mud around, pick out big rocks, and get rid of all the debris to get to the bottom of your pan. Sadly neither I nor Brenda would be bringing home riches on this trip. I would have settled for just a few flakes as a souvenir and the 2 little boys beside of us were that lucky!
The visitor’s center is where you pay for your panning ticket. They also have a pretty extensive gift shop. "Treasures’ here include your standard (t-shirts, mugs, key chains, post cards, and even a magnet with small gold flakes), a large collection of books, mining equipment, and since this is a gold mine you can find plenty of gold jewelry and other items made of the stuff. Also pick up a guide for $2 on the history of the mine and gold in NC. They do offer concessions inside and drinks machines are located outside. You will also find restrooms here as well. There are a number of picnic tables located throughout the property for use by visitors. They do participate in the passport program. The site is handicapped accessible, though access inside the mines is limited. You should allow yourself a minimum of 2 hours just to enjoy the exhibits, the mine tour, and to pan. Add more time if you plan of hiking any of the trails.
Who will like this attraction? Why everyone! This place is great for the grandkids through the grandparents. The site does a wonderful job with the exhibits which are both education and entertaining. The mine tours are a big hit with everyone. We had kids as young as 3 to plenty of grandparents in tow in our group. Little kids just seem to love any big adventure and even at 41, being in a gold mine was exciting. Panning is quite a treat for the whole family. After all who doesn’t dream of discovering untold riches? The mine plays hosts to many school and youth groups from all over every year. This is a great way to spend the day.
Groups/special events they will be glad to host your group. They do offer a number of special events through the year including the NC panning competition, the Polk-Reed History Bowl, the Carolina Heritage Festival, and a Christmas celebration. The most popular event is their Bloody Reign of the Mad Miner held the last 2 weekends in October. This event includes a haunted mine, hayrides, ghost stories, and more. And during the summer there is a unique chance for kids 9-11 to spend a day at camp learning to be a prospector.
Hours/fees/admission
April through October from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5am. Panning available.
November through March from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4am. Panning not available.
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Closed major holidays.
Hours for special events can be extended or changed. Always check the web site for additional information.
There is not an admission fee. Donations are accepted and I urge you to make a donation in one of the boxes in the visitor’s center. After all it does costs money to run this stuff. $2 per person to pan. Some events may carry additional fees.
Website: www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us or www.reedmine.com