History & Museums

Lumpkin County was created on Dec. 3, 1832 by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia. The boomtown of Auraria, Dahlonega, and all of Lumpkin County's heritage includes the Cherokee Nation and our Nation's first gold rush, the gold mining and Civil War eras, the founding of Georgia's first Agricultural College now the University of North Georgia and Georgia's Military College, and the wonderfully rich history of Lumpkin's people and their County Seat of Dahlonega - a National Registered Historic and preserved Main Street City.

With the gold steeple of Price Memorial Hall erected on the site of the former U.S. Branch Mint and watching over the old college campus, downtown Dahlonega square, and Mount Hope Cemetery, the notable Dahlonega building is one example of the terrific late 1800's architecture and stands tall as one of three gold-topped buildings in Georgia along with Savannah's City Hall and the Georgia State Capitol dome in Atlanta - all gilded with Dahlonega gold.

Local heritage attractions and festivities present local pride and traditions along with visitor appeal and educational resources. Native American, Gold mining, Military, family history, and even remarkably spooky tales provide a wealth of fun for taking in local heritage.