Free Jim Mine
Encyclopedia
The Free Jim Minehttp://tin.er.usgs.gov/mrds/show.php?labno=10265211 was a Georgia Gold Rush
gold mine located in the town of Dahlonega
in Lumpkin County
, Georgia
, USA. The mine was started by a free African American
named James Boisclair
, who arrived in the area in the 1830's from Augusta, Georgia
. Apparently, Boisclair discovered gold on a tract of land but, under state law, could not purchase the land, except through a guardian. A local resident, Joseph J. Singleton became his guardian, thus allowing Boisclair to purchase the land and start what would become known as the Free Jim Mine. The mine was operated by Bosclair for many years. Today, the Free Jim Mine lies underneath the present-day Pine Tree Mfg. plant and other nearby businesses within the city limits of Dahlonega.
Georgia Gold Rush
The Georgia Gold Rush was the second significant gold rush in the United States. It started in 1828 in the present day Lumpkin County near county seat Dahlonega, and soon spread through the North Georgia mountains, following the Georgia Gold Belt. By the early 1840s, gold became harder to find...
gold mine located in the town of Dahlonega
Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega is a city in Lumpkin County, Georgia, United States, and is its county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 5,242....
in Lumpkin County
Lumpkin County, Georgia
Lumpkin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 29,966. Its county seat is Dahlonega.- History :...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, USA. The mine was started by a free African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
named James Boisclair
James Boisclair
James Boisclair was an African American gold miner who achieved notable fame and success during the Georgia Gold Rush. Boisclair was known as "Free Jim" and was highly regarded at the time for his entrepreneurial work and part-time efforts as a preacher....
, who arrived in the area in the 1830's from Augusta, Georgia
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
. Apparently, Boisclair discovered gold on a tract of land but, under state law, could not purchase the land, except through a guardian. A local resident, Joseph J. Singleton became his guardian, thus allowing Boisclair to purchase the land and start what would become known as the Free Jim Mine. The mine was operated by Bosclair for many years. Today, the Free Jim Mine lies underneath the present-day Pine Tree Mfg. plant and other nearby businesses within the city limits of Dahlonega.
Sources
- "Thar's Gold in Them Thar Hills" - Players and Places (accessed December 4, 2006)
- Mines Of The Nation's First Gold Rush, by Sylvia Gailey Head (accessed December 4, 2006)