Posted on 04/28/2023 11:26:24 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Lucky for you, these gold rush hot spots have not yet run their mining course
Millions of Americans have tried their luck at gold panning. In 1852, the peak production year of the Gold Rush, $81 million worth of gold was discovered in California alone, coming to about $3.2 billion in today’s dollars. And still, two centuries later, prospectors search for gold in public areas across the American West.
“Once you see your first flake of gold pop out of the pan, it hooks you,” says Andy Brooks, president of the Central Valley Prospectors gold panning club based in Fresno, California. After decades of prospecting, he still finds joy in the hunt.
Many prospectors, like Brooks, enjoy the hobby of gold panning for more than just the possibility of striking it rich. Searching for gold has a vibrant past, attracting history buffs and adventurers alike. “We are like family,” says Brooks. “It’s an interesting fraternity.”
The California Gold Rush started in 1848, when, by chance, a Sutter’s Mill employee was inspecting the sawmill and discovered an abundance of gold flecks in the water. This would start a cross-country migration that changed the United States forever.
“I constantly find out new things about areas either archaeologically or historically,” says Brooks. “That's just as exciting to me as finding a piece of gold. It enriches your soul when you find out about history.”
The price of gold is always changing, but over the past few decades, its value has been increasing significantly. With a current rate of almost $65 per gram, it’s a great time to have a stake in the game. Here are five national hot spots where you can start your search.
Ten miles from me was the largest placer gold find on the east coast. Something like 20,000 ounces back in the late 1800s.
No wonder Joey has three homes more safes.
Amen welcome to California.
My Dad used to talk about people trying to pan for gold in the NEK.
Based on my short time there, I think the Gold was really at Jay Peak.
The gold miners of California’s 1848-49 Gold Rush learned their trade practices back east in Georgia’s northeastern mountains years before.
You can pan for gold in Dahlonega, Georgia. Nobody gets rich there any longer. Tourists are the main source of income.
Our family has a gold mine. Haven’t been there in a few years but it has lots of gold still. Uncle was taking about 2,000 ounces a year out of it and there is plenty more.
Once I finally retire, we might go up there for giggles and do a little damage.
Yes, been there.
That is where the phrase “THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS!” came from.......................
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