Golden history of Consolidated Mine is the subject of new book

When Greg Sheppard began researching the history of Dahlonega’s Consolidated Gold Mine, it was mostly to  find the answers to questions he received from tourists.
After he retired, he found that becoming a tour guide at the local landmark was a pastime that he enjoyed.
“People asked questions on tour and I started looking up the answers to common questions,” Sheppard said.
After years of research what he ended up with was more than just answers to a few queries, it was enough fascinating knowledge to fill an entire book.
So that’s just what he did.
The retired 4-H Extension Agent and former Nugget columnist compiled much of his newly-discovered knowledge into a volume that has become "The Rise and Fall of the Mighty Consolidated Gold Mine.”
"I worked as a tour guide at the gold mine for about six years after retirement,” Sheppard said.
The most common questions, he said, were usually related to how many workers were injured or died.
“I have always loved history,” Sheppard said. “I have been a hobbyist gold prospector since the 1980s.”
He said many sources helped him find the answers he needed for the book.
Contributors included Georgia Historical Archives—providing historical images, Dathan Harbert of Consolidated Gold Mine, The Dahlonega Nugget archives at Lumpkin County Library (assisted by Agnes Gore), online Mining History Association archives as well as information about the Treadwell Mine in Alaska.
“This was relevant because the mill foreman at Consolidated Mine came from Alaska,” Sheppard said.
Much of the information gave him answers to why the gold mining company had to shut down earlier than expected back then.
“There were many problems that caused the mill to only capture about half the gold it should,” Sheppard said.
These included the fact that workers accidentally gouged plates that were supposed to capture the elusive gold dust.
In addition, they used petroleum products to clean when they should have used sorghum syrup, he added.
“They had big hopes in May of 1900 with the grand opening” Sheppard said. “At its peak the mine employed almost 600 people. People from many counties around came to work there.”
He said the local economy was based a lot on the mine.
“Dahlonega Nugget editor W. B. Townsend said everybody who wanted a job could get one,” Sheppard said.
In the 1980s the property was purchased by Bryan Whitfield and family—whom Sheppard credits with having the foresight to open the mine up for visitors instead of resuming actual mining operations.
Tours began in 1991 and the mine has been a destination for Dahlonega visitors since then.
In the book there are a lot of family names that are still in the area, he said.
Sheppard believes many types of readers will enjoy learning the history of the mine and gold history in the area.
In fact, he hopes local folks with stories to tell will be willing to share them by contacting him at the gold mine at 706-864-8473.
Sheppard said there was too much information to fit in one book, and wonders if he might have the time one day to share the rest in another volume.
Until then, he’ll be prospecting for gold and digging for new knowledge of all things “golden” in Dahlonega.
The new book is available at the Consolidated Gold Mine, Dahlonega General Store and the Gold Museum.