When most people think about the Georgia Gold Rush, they picture the beautiful town of Dahlonega. Thriving and still a place for visitors to enjoy a special slice of history, Dahlonega is known as the Gold Rush capital of our great state. However, there is another town that many Georgians don’t know about—a town that was once a mecca for gold rush enthusiasts looking to strike it rich. Now considered a lost town, take a look at this one-of-a-kind place known as Auraria, Georgia.
On the southwest side of Dahlonega is the lost town of Auraria, Georgia, nicknamed after the Latin word for aurum, which means gold.
Flickr G. DAWSON
During the days of the Georgia Gold Rush, thousands upon thousands of settlers came to the state in search of a slice of their own treasure.
Flickr Vermont Historical Society
One of the very first gold boom towns in Georgia began in 1832, when a single cabin was built by William Dean between the Chestatee River and Etowah River.
Flickr Vermont Historical Society
This town soon became a popular place for settlers, especially when several more buildings were erected, including a tavern and hotel.
Wikipedia
Within just a few months, over one-hundred houses were built, about twenty stores, and twelve to fifteen law offices—the town of Auraria was officially booming.
Wikipedia
There were tons of gold mines set up along the Etowah River—including the Gold Hill Mine, Hedwig-Chicago Mine, Battle Branch Mine, and Barlow Mine to name few.
Flickr James Marvin Phelps
Yet, once the 40-acre lot in which Auraria stood on was won by a man who had questionable involvement, the focus of the gold rush soon went north.
Wikimedia
This meant that many of the businesses and offices needed to be relocated, which eventually left Auraria practically empty.
Flickr Marc Cooper
Soon enough, however, the gold rush moved west to California, leaving behind a town that one thrived, but soon was left in ruins.
Flickr cmh2315fl
While there are few structures still standing in the town of Auraria, it is still worth passing through, especially for those history buffs out there.
Flickr G. DAWSON
Flickr Vermont Historical Society
Wikipedia
Flickr James Marvin Phelps
Wikimedia
Flickr Marc Cooper
Flickr cmh2315fl
Have you ever visited Auraria, Georgia? Share with us your highlights in the comments section!
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