Down in the Gold Mine

Although gold was discovered on the Reed farm in North Carolina in the late 1700's (see July 21 blog), only placer mining from the stream was done until 1825. At that time, the miners discovered there were also veins of gold in the white quartz rocks, and they began making plans to dig for it. Underground mining actually began at the site in 1831.

At first, the men dug pits but soon started shafts and then tunnels

extending out. These, of course, followed the veins of gold. The ore was hauled up in large, rounded buckets called "kibbles." The miners worked by candlelight using chisels, picks, crowbars, and shovels. They used gunpowder for some blasting. Low wheelbarrows hauled the ore through the mine to the shaft, where it would be loaded in the kibble and hoisted. 

Men at the Reed Mine used timbers to reinforce the shafts. Over the years, other improvements were made. For example, iron rods help stabilize the mine in places.Today visitors can tour the mine and, with a little imagination, see what it might have been like. Inside the mine stays around 60 degrees all year. Of course, the mine, now a state historic site, has more supports and safety measures today than it did in the beginning, but it's still an educational experience.

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