Midland
Pan for gold, pick strawberries and enjoy the great outdoors along the Rocky River in this one-of-a-kind small town.
Midland is the place to head when you’re looking for some adventure — or some fascinating history. Here’s what you can’t miss when you visit.
Reed Gold Mine
The first documented discovery of gold in the United States happened right here in Cabarrus County. In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed discovered a 17-pound gold nugget in Little Meadow Creek. The Reed family used it as a doorstop for years before Conrad’s father sold it for $3.50 to a jeweler in Fayetteville. The discovery and sale marked the start of the nation’s first gold rush, and North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, just before California’s gold rush.
These days, Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site is the only underground gold mine in North Carolina that’s open to the public. Guided tours give guests the opportunity to explore restored portions of underground tunnels and view exhibits of gold and historic mining equipment. You can try your luck panning for gold and Reed Gold Mine also offers walking trails and underground tunnels to explore.
