Topics Related to Mining

Built in 1843 for Irish immigrant gold miners. Fourth Catholic church built in state. This is the original building.

Founder of Syracuse, N.Y., early advocate of Erie Canal. Moved to N. Carolina, 1829. Land and mining speculator. Grave is 50 yds. east.

Established near here by Christopher Bechtler in 1831. Later moved to Rutherfordton. Minted over $2 1/4 million in gold. Closed about 1849.

Many iron mines and forges were operated within a radius of ten miles of this point between 1790 and 1880.

Mica, feldspar, quartz deposits found in region 25 mi. long, 10 mi. wide. Commercial production of mica emerged 1850s.

Among oldest of area mica mines. Evidence indicates it was first worked by Indians. Remains 4 mi. S.W.

Iron ore deposits near here were mined from ca. 1826 until 1930. Supplied iron to the Confederacy.

A gem found only in N.C., named for W. E. Hidden, mineralogist of N.Y., who prospected in this area about 1880. Mines were nearby.

Copper mine operated intermittently, 1850s to 1962. Site of Ore Knob, boom mining town, inc. 1875. Shafts 1 mile N.

Charlotte was center of region's gold rush after 1825. Rudisill & Saint Catherine, among largest mines, were near here.