Reed Gold Mine

Reed Gold Mine lies in low hills and wooded bottom land along Little Meadow Creek, about 11 miles southeast of Concord, North Carolina. In 1799 twelve-year-old Conrad Reed found a heavy yellow rock on his father John Reed's farm; it was later recognized as gold. Mining began in 1803, first with panning and rockers in the creek sands, then with shafts, stamp mills and Chilean mills. Word of the profits drew thousands of prospectors and set off the country's first gold rush. Through 1828 all native gold coined by the U.S. Mint came from North Carolina. The mine changed hands many times, and large nuggets were found as late as 1896. It closed by 1903. Today tunnels, some 20 shafts and building foundations remain, and only two buildings from about 1905 survive. The State of North Carolina bought the land in 1971 to develop it as a historic and recreation area.