Carolina Goldrusher
CAROLINA GOLDRUSHER
As one of the original rides at Carowinds, this coaster
pays tribute to a pinnacle time in Carolina history and the
nations's first gold rush.
In 1799, twelve-year-old Conrad Reed was fishing in Little
Meadow Creek in Carbarrus County when he found a 17-lb
gold nugget. News of his discovery spread fast and many
migrated to the area, which led to additional gold strikes
in Montgomery, Stanly, Mecklenhurg, Rowan and Union
counties. By the early 1820's the pursuit of gold in the
Carolinas had become a major enterprise and led to one
of our region’s largest population booms.
By the time gold was discovered in California in 1849,
gold mining in the Carolinas had declined due to the
expense and risks of the mining techniques required in
our area. Today’s leaders in industry, research and
banking have indirectly benefited from the miners and
investors of the Carolina Gold Rush - something we
celebrate with pride!
Share your Carolina pride on social media
#WeAreCarolina
Submitted by @JacksonKarow