An overview of Lumpkin County, Georgia. Includes festivals, North Georgia College, and other points of interest for visitors.
Lumpkin County, in central North Georgia, was founded in 1832. Dahlongea, known as the site of the first major gold rush in the United States, is now the county seat. The county takes its name from Wilson Lumpkin who, over the course of his lifetime, served as a Georgia state representative (1808) and state senator (1812); was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives (1815-1817; 1827-1831) and to the Senate (1837-1841); and served as Governor of Georgia (1831-1835). The city takes its name from the Cherokee word for "˜yellow,' Talonega.
According to legend, in 1828, Benjamin Parks was deer hunting in the area, when he stopped and picked up a rock. Turning it over, he saw that it was veined throughout with gold--and the first major gold rush in the U.S. was on. Overnight, the town of Auraria sprang up, with a population of about 10,000. The rush in the area lasted about 20 years, from 1828 until the California gold rush began in 1849. The last of the large mining companies closed its doors in 1906. Today, there is still gold in the area, but the cost of mining today is far beyond what the area could return. Tourism is today's gold, and tours
of the old Consolidated Mines, the Crisson Mines, and the gold miner's camp bring in thousands of tourists every year, panning for gold and getting a little whiff of what miners of the time must have experienced.
In addition to the historical activities of the area, Lumpkin county offers the avid outdoorsman ample opportunities for fun and sport. Appalachian Trail access is offered by the Springer Mountain to Woody Gap trail (20 miles, moderate-to-hard, point-to-point); Woody Gap to Neels Gap trail (11.5 miles, moderate-to-hard,
point-to-point); Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap trail (6.8 miles, moderate-to-hard, point-to-point); and the Duncan Ridge Trail (30.1 miles, hard-to-strenuous, loop). More casual trails can be found in the area, as well. The Desoto Falls trail, with its pretty waterfalls, gurgling creek and beautiful scenery, is an easy-to-moderate walk of about 2 miles; Three Forks is a fairly easy walk of 3.1 miles, and one can see some beautiful scenery along the way; Gooch Gap to Woody Gap is a relatively level, easy walk, and
extends about 3.5 miles; and the Dockery Lake Trail is a simple 0.5 mile walk at Dockery Lake--this is a good family walk.
In addition to hiking, one can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, and, in season, duck and goose hunting on Lake Lanier. Several campgrounds are found in the Chattahoochee National Forest area, and private campgrounds are available, as well. The Etowah and Chestatee Rivers are perfect for canoeing, and, for the avid canoeing fan, the well-known Ocoee River is worth the approximately 50 mile drive from Lumpkin to Copperhill, TN. Trout fishing in the plentiful creeks is a favorite of many, from the final Saturday in March until the season ends on October 31st--but, be sure to acquire not only your fishing license, but your trout stamp, as well--unless you have an "˜honorary' fishing license, in which case a trout stamp is not required. Also, be certain that the bait and
tackle you carry is legal for the stream you are fishing--it is illegal to even have illegal bait or tackle in one's possession if it is not allowed on the stream one is fishing. Additional information about trout fishing can be obtained from the Dahlongea Chamber of Commerce.
For the non-outdoorsman, there is still plenty to see and do in Lumpkin County. In addition to the gold mining tours and museums of the area, the Public Square in Dahlonega, established in 1833, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and provides a fascinating glance back in time. Also, unique shops, galleries, and, of course, restaurants exist for the amusement and nourishment of the curious tourist.
One can plan their trip to Lumpkin County around the various festivals of the area, as well. The first festival is in the spring, on the third weekend in April--the Bear on the Square Festival. This festival, which began as an annual happening in 1997, is a quaint, quirky tradition, started by the appearance of a "bear on the square" in 1996. It includes arts and crafts, mountain music, and food, with the highlight being a dance on the square on Saturday night. Held this same weekend are the World Gold Panning Championships, during which adults and children alike are invited to try their hand at speed panning at the Consolidated Mines, once the largest gold mining operation east of the Mississippi.
Moving along to the third weekend in May, visitors can enjoy the Wildflower Festival of the Arts. This festival takes advantage of the natural--and abundant--beauty of the area in the springtime, and combines it with the flourishing talents of North Georgia artists. Watercolors, oils, pottery, photography, jewelry making, glass, fiber, and many, many other mediums are judged and displayed on the square in Dahlongea for viewing and purchase. Wildflower walking trails, tours of the hummingbird and butterfly gardens, and various lectures are all available for eager patrons.
The Longbranch Buckskinners Frolics are held three times a year--one weekend in May, the weekend of July 4th, and the third weekend in October. Displays of pre-1840 American arts and crafts, Native American displays, and demonstrations of the day-to-day chores of Frontier America, as well as the entertainment from that period, can be observed by patrons. Also, contests are held for people interested in early American weaponry.
Fourth of July Family Days are held, naturally, on July 4th. The Southeast Tourism Society has named this festival of contests, fireworks, food, music, and other entertainment as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast for 4 years. It is the largest 4th of July celebration in North Georgia.
The Sidewalk Sale and Charity Festival is held on the third weekend of September. This festival begins on Friday, and ends Sunday evening. Fund raisers are held during the festival to support local charities, and merchants donate a portion of their profits, as well.
Later in the fall, as the leaves are turning and the weather is cooling, the Gold Rush Festival is held on the third weekend in October. There are many, many events held during this festival, when thousands of eager visitors descend upon Lumpkin County, including a 5K road race, the crowing of a King and Queen of the festival, gold panning,
hog calling, buck dancing, and gospel singing.
Finally, during the entire month of December, visitors can enjoy the Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration. Kicking off on the first weekend of the month, the festival begins with the lighting of the town square, caroling, a parade, and the arrival of Santa. The joy of Christmas is captured in this little North Georgia town as it was meant to be, and the visitor to the area will leave with a renewed sense of the season.
North Georgia College & State University, which began as North Georgia Agricultural College through land grant made by the State, was established on January 06, 1873. The
once-active U.S. Mint Building was originally the centerpiece of the college, as it had been abandoned and given to the State for educational use. In 1878, the Mint burned to the ground, and Price Memorial Hall was built on its foundation. The building was named for William Price, the Congressman from Dahlonega who had introduced the
resolution to Congress allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to give the Mint property to the trustees of North Georgia Agricultural College. Price Memorial Hall still stands as the centerpiece of the campus today.
At the request of the students, a military training program became part of the curriculum half way through its initial year. The first ROTC program was established in 1916, and on September 20, 1952, North Georgia College officially became a Branch General ROTC program, meaning cadets could be commissioned in any branch of the military. University status was granted to the college during the 1996-1997 school year, thus it's current title, North Georgia College & State University. NCGSU has an enrollment of approximately 3,500 students, and, in 1997, was listed in the 2nd edition of The Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Buys.
Lumpkin County, respecting its rich history while keeping in step with the outside modern world, is an excellent getaway choice for anyone seeking to enjoy all the North Georgia Mountains have to offer; provides a safe and acclaimed environment for those who wish to further their education; and is enjoyed year-round by more than 15,000
permanent residents, some of which have called this little piece of Georgia home for generations. For more information on Lumpkin County and its county seat, Dahlonega, please contact the Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-231-5543.
