Harold W. Williams, Jr.

It is not often that I write a section of my magazine built around one personality, but if you excuse me this time, I feel that I must.  "Hal" as he is know in the community, is at he "heart beat" of almost all of the progressive steps of this unique community. Dahlonega is famous for their Holly Theater http://www.hollytheater.com/main.asp, which Hal is a vital part of as actor, singer, and Board member..  As the 1990s marched into the calendar, Hal Williams, chairman of the board of the Chamber of Commerce, and Cullen Larson, then president of the chamber, organized a meeting of people interested in turning the Holly into a community center and the wheels began to roll toward what today is an important part of the performing arts of Greogia. Photo to the left is Hal in "dress for a Holly theater play, Anything Goes."

Some of his involvement includes:

Elder Dahlonega Presbyterian Church,Pi kappa phi fraternity distinguished alumnus delta beta chapter President Dahlonega Lumpkin county Jaycees,Twice chairman of the board Dahlonega Lumpkin county Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Lumpkin county tourism commission, Vice chairman the Northeast Georgia Mountain Travel association, Treasurer and Vice President the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers, Member Chestatee Regional Hospital board, Chairman Dahlonega Historic Preservation commission, Member Dahlonega Festivals commission, Twice President Dahlonega Merchants Association, State of Georgia Focus award recipient,Sam Walton Business Leader award, Dahlonega Nugget Magnificent 7 award recipient,Vice chairman Dahlonega downtown development authority, and Charter and present chairman The Holly Theater Board of directors.  His current position is Director, Dahlonega Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau .  Hal has a Masters Degree from the University of Georgia.  You will really miss something if you don't drop by the Visitors Center located at the town square, and visit with Hal and the outstanding staff. .. halwilliams@dahlonega.org. 

Hal has served his country well, with the following military record:

United States Army active and reserve 1968-1993

Special Forces officer responsible for various special operations

Missions worldwide. Retired rank Colonel.

Bronze Star Medal w/oak leaf cluster

Joint Services Commendation award

Combat Infantryman’s badge

The Air Medal

The Army Commendation Medal

The Army Achievement Medal

The Army Reserve Commendation Medal

National Defense Service Medal with star

Army Reserve Service Medal

Army Reserve Overseas Deployment Ribbon 14 awards

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with star

Republic of Vietnam Civic Action Award Medal

United States, Belgium, Great Britain and Vietnamese Parachute badges

Map

All it takes is a few individuals with positive attitudes to bring a "small town" into a prime place for tourist to visit.  Hal, and others have done this, and done it well!  Above is the beautiful Visitors Center where Hal, with his "heart of Dahlonega gold" constantly works and plans for a "better Dahlonega."

"Nestled in the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains, this quaint historic town claims fame to being the site of the first American Gold rush as well as a community filled with the arts, four wineries, recreation and plenty of outdoor recreation."

Gold Rush in Georgia

Dahlonega (pronounced dah-lahn-e-ga) is the home to the first major gold rush in America. 

" As early as 1819 there is evidence that gold was being mined by whites near the Cherokee town of Sixes. Although people knew of the gold, Frank Logan "discovered" it in White County in 1828. Benjamin Parks is frequently credited with the discovery in Lumpkin County mostly because that's what he told anybody who would listen to him for almost 70 years. By 1829 mining operations had begun in White County (then part of Habersham County). Later that same year operations began in Lumpkin, Union, and Cherokee . This promise of easy money literally floating down a river brought large amounts of men and money into the region.. By 1830 more than 300 ounces a day were being produced in the area from north of Blairsville to the southeast corner of what is now Cherokee County .... There was so much gold being produced in the region that the Federal government completed a mint in Dahlonega in 1838, however by that time production had begun to decrease. The rush continued until 1849, when word of gold in California reached Georgia and many of the miners left. By 1858, most of the gold mining had ceased. That year, hydraulic mining was introduced to the state. Production of gold reached a low point during the Civil War, but by 1880 mining was again flourishing, thanks to hydraulic ming, which devastated the environment. Although mining continues in the area today, production has been decreasing steadily since 1915."  About North Georgia   Above, photo, one of he college buildings with actual gold leaf covering from the area's mines.  Below, center, a coin minted at the Dahlonega mint.

Located downtown, on the city square, is the unique old historic court house, which is now restored and has become the Dahlonega Gold Museum.    The courthouse is one of the oldest still remaining in the United States. Experience first hand the architecture of one of the oldest buildings still in use in North Georgia and discover this unique portion of the history of the mountain region.  Above is one of the fine several displays inside the Gold Museum.

One can do a tour of an actual gold mine and go underground about seven stories deep at the Consolidated Gold Mine. "At Consolidated Gold Mines we offer underground tours of a hardrock gold mine and gold panning. Tours are guided and run daily year-round. Your tour guides are open to questions and welcome interaction during the 40-45 minute tour. The mines remain at a comfortable 60 degrees year round." http://www.consolidatedgoldmine.com/, or visit the Crisson Gold Mine "Crisson Gold Mine is an actual open pit gold mine that was established in 1847 and was worked commercially until the early 1980s. We've been open to the public since 1969 and we are the oldest gold mining establishment in North Georgia" Here one can see antique mining equipment, pan for gold, purchase mining supplies, jewelry, and spend most of the day having fun.  http://www.crissongoldmine.com/

This month and next there will be articles about local B & Bs, local attractions, fine wine produced in this area, dining, spas,

and much, much more.  Read on, and Happy Traveling. 

Chadwick Smith Photography credit for Hal in officer dress for Holly play.