Reed Gold Mine

Gold Mining – Industry – A National Historic Landmark

Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. From this discovery, gold mining spread gradually to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During its peak years gold mining was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. The estimated value of gold recovered reached over one million dollars a year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California. Continued

The Mine

Site Maps

Upcoming Events

  • July 13: Second Saturdays
    Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
    Details are forthcoming on the next in our series of summer "Second Saturdays" events, produced in conjunction with the North Carolina Arts Council. Stay tuned.


  • August 10: When Nature and Man Collide
    Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
    Site interpretive staff will be working in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Forestry Rangers to provide tours of the historic surface areas of the Reed Gold Mine, telling both the historic significance of the gold mine and the natural environment surrounding it. The event is free, and open to the public. Donations are always welcomed.

Reed Gold Mine Information

Contact Us

Reed Gold Mine
9621 Reed Mine Rd.
Midland, N.C. 28107
Phone: (704) 721-GOLD (4653)
Fax: (704) 721-4657
Email: reed@ncdcr.gov

Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Saturday--9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays.

Admission Fee

No fee is charged for admission or tours of the mine. Gold panning is available seasonally, weather permitting. The fee is $3 per pan. A group rate of $2 per pan is available, call for details.

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