March 14, 2017
America’s first documented discovery of gold happened right here in Midland, North Carolina.
In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed discovered a 17-pound gold nugget in Little Meadow Creek. After using it as a doorstop for three years, Conrad’s father John Reed sold the nugget to a jeweler in Fayetteville for $3.50, worth about one week’s work in that time. Mr. Reed later learned the nugget’s true value amounted to almost one thousand times more than his selling price.
Reed began to look for more gold in his creek, and his neighbors expanded the search to their own creeks starting the nation’s first gold rush. For 20 years, miners sifted through sand and gravel along North Carolina’s streams and rivers. The estimated value of gold recovered reached more than one million dollars per year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, the start of the great rush to California.
Today, Reed Gold Mine state historic site is open for the public to explore portions of the underground tunnels and pan for gold. Visitors of all ages can also experience the mine’s history by viewing gold exhibits in the Visitor Center, observing historic mining equipment on display and enjoying the walking trails that weave through the grounds.
In 2022, Reed Gold Mine marked 45 years. As one of the state’s most unique attractions, the historic site has welcomed more than 2,000,000 visitors since opening in 1977.
Ready to experience Reed Gold Mine?
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