Most of the producing mines were on land owned by the Cherokee Nation and not the state of Georgia. In 1832 the state rectified that problem by seizing the Cherokee land without a treaty and dividing it up among Georgia veterans and residents. Unfortunately, all the gold mines in Cherokee country would also switch hands.
Lot drawing began on October 22, 1832 in Milledgeville, Georgia and continued until May 1, 1833. Cost was $10.00 and depending on your situation you could get an extra draw at no cost. The lottery gave 40 acre "gold lots" to winners, but the state did not promise gold would be on the land. Miners who began working on Cherokee land after June 1, 1830 were excluded from the lottery.
