Roadside marker with not much room to stop to view it, perhaps you were not aware that there was a…read more"gold rush" in north Georgia? It started in 1829 and lasted through the early 1840s at which point it was eclipsed by the California gold rush when most of the Georgia miners went west. The marker reads, "This section of highway was once a part of the "Gold Diggers' Road," one of the earliest ways used in reaching this area during the Gold Rush days." "Beginning on the Chestatee River to the east, where it connected with a route coming from South Carolina via Toccoa, Clarkesville and Cleveland, the Gold Diggers' Road led here; thence southward, along U.S. 19 to Dahlonega and from there to Auraria." "Much of its original course is now abandoned." The marker was erected in 1954 by the Georgia Historical Commission. [Review 18921 overall - 559 in Georgia - 2444 of 2022.]

Although I knew its exact location, I nearly drove right past it! It looks more like a shed in the…read morewoods than a bridge since the surrounding area is overgrown with brush and the creek is not immediately noticeable from the road. ~~~~~~~~~~ Please note this bridge is on private property, a little factoid I didn't discover until after my visit. Glad I didn't get shot! ~~~~~~~~~~ The bridge itself was actually in very good condition. While preparing to write this review I discovered an article about the bridge on GainesvilleTimes.com that said students from the local high school took part in a restoration project around 2007. The bridge was restored to look like the oldest historic picture they could find of the bridge. Other online pictures appear to show the bridge covered in cedar shingles and looking rather unattractive. The current look is far more appealing and in line with ALL the other covered historic bridges in the state. The students participation won them 2nd place for Future Business Leaders of America in their county... pretty awesome! The article also states there were plans in the works that included making the bridge public for all to enjoy. A portion of land was to be donated by the two properties that are divided by the creek just below the bridge. Problems arose when the county commissioner changed and support for the project seemingly dried up. ---------- HAUNTED The bridge is also said to be haunted by a blind women by the name of Suzie who used to make moonshine, rock out on her porch, and sell her goods (on occasion) by this bridge. It has been argued this is the wrong bridge, but someone thought it would be good to attach the name of Blind Suzie to this bridge as a ghost story and it seems to have stuck. Get the full details of the article about this bridge here: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/24836/ ---------- BRIDGE FACTS * Also known as Hyder Bridge and Lula Covered Bridge. * Closed to vehicular Traffic in 1969 when it was bypassed * Originally built in 1915 about a mile upriver and was relocated. * Only remaining authentic historic covered bridge in Banks County. * Shortest of the remaining Georgia Covered bridges. * TOTAL LENGTH: 34' long * TRUSS: single-span modified Kingpost truss (the only covered bridge remaining in Georgia with this truss system). ---------- FINAL THOUGHTS Whether Blind Suzie actually haunts this bridge or not, it is a valuable surviving piece of history that I hope doesn't get caught up on silly bureaucracy that results in its demise. This bridge is officially 100 years old and deserves to be preserved for 100 years more for future generations to remember and enjoy. I hope they do eventually make this bridge accessible to the public. I would think this could be a project the entire state would get behind and take pride in like Indiana and Ohio, two fine examples of states who have made restoring their historic bridges a priority. Each has created driving tours and festivals celebrating their bridges that are enjoyed by locals statewide and bridge lovers from all over... like me. Seems to me it would be a no brainer that this sort of tourism would add valuable dollars to the local economies... just sayin'

Before there was a Nevada silver rush and a California gold rush, there was a Georgia gold rush…read more Yes, gold was discovered in North Georgia in 1832. This marker points out that history and then what happened. It reads, "Auraria, (Gold), in 1832 the scene of Georgia's first gold rush, was named by John C. Calhoun, owner of a nearby mine worked by Calhoun slaves. Auraria and Dahlonega were the two real gold towns in the U.S. before 1849. Between 1829 and 1839 about $20,000,000 in gold was mined in Georgia's Cherokee country. From Auraria in 1858 the "Russell boys", led by Green Russell, went west and established another Auraria near the mouth of Cherry Creek that later became Denver, Colo. Green Russell uncovered a fabulous lode called Russell Gulch near which was built Central City, Colo., "richest square mile on earth."" If you remember your chemistry and periodical tables, the symbol for gold is "Au" as in Gert Fröbe's excellent portrayal as the villain Auric Goldmember in the Sean Connery film of 1964. This is marker number 093-5 and it was erected in 1954 by the Georgia Historical Commission. [Review 20354 overall - 689 in Georgia - 1332 of 2023.]

Love this mountain community. Just spent several days here with the grands and they had a blast!…read moreFrom bear spotting and deer gazing, the beautiful woods offer so much to see. Over 50 miles of hiking trails, three lakes, a beautiful marina, and two pools, there is something for everyone. The girls loved the rock slide and both pools. There are ample lifeguards, which is reassuring. The Beach Club offers a pool and a beach on the lake side. There is an inflatable obstacle course which kids love, too. There are so many amenities, you always have something to do. We aren't golfers but the course is beautiful. The lodge restaurant is set to reopen soon after a complete renovation, but there is also a fabulous restaurant just outside the gate. (Yes, this is a gated community) The restaurant is called Home and it serves delicious meals. You can get something as simple as a great burger or something fancier like seared halibut. The girls loved the ice cream shop just outside the gate. There's another restaurant in the same plaza, called the Lucky Hare and it's supposed to be good as well. Big Canoe is the perfect place to visit, whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing time in the woods, surrounded by countless wildlife.

Well first off, Mother Nature always comes through with the beautiful landscape!!!…read more We made our way into the Big Canoe neighborhood- up & around the windy road to our house/cabin 27 Laurel Ridge Lane Jasper, Ga. 30143 A beautiful house & BIG! 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths. This house had 5 beds & bunks in 1 bedroom- PERFECT for a large crowd. I am terribly sorry, but if I felt better I would have taken a TON of pics!! 3 stories!! Upstairs had 2 large bedrooms & jack/jill bathroom. Spacious!! Main floor had 1/2 bath, master bed/bath, large kitchen & a small living room area w/fireplace. Downstairs had 2 bedrooms & jack/jill bath, laundry & a spacious extra "livingroom" Long deck could view the golf course & beautiful mountains!!! There is a small screened in porch w/dining table too. Downstairs had ANOTHER deck with a hot tub (didn't use). If you are wanting a relaxing vacation spot, this is great! Houses are VERY close to eachother, but you really don't feel it! Enough space for all to truly relax & be safe in this beautiful gated community!! I'm sure not cheap. 4 couples split a 2 night stay at $200 each. We could have had at least another couple or 2 to split more! Bring extra coffee pods, TP, paper towels, napkins & food if you are staying over a few days. A full kitchen & lots of dishes, pots pans, etc! But not FULLY stocked. Go, relax & enjoy yourselves!!!

A smaller war memorial but this one is dedicated to those from Habersham County who lost their…read morelives in World War I, World War II or Vietnam. It is simple and compelling, listing names and the inscription "All Gave Much These Gave All." The memorial is at the corner of Washington Street and Monroe Street next to the County office building. There is parking here. [Review 20368 overall - 697 in Georgia - 1346 of 2023.]

Along US Highway 441 (which goes from Miami Florida, across all of Georgia and into eastern…read moreTennessee), this marker points out some of the Colonial History of the area. It's at an otherwise unassuming intersection so there is room to pull over to read the marker. It has the same text on both sides, reading "The boundary between the State of Georgia and the Cherokee Nation established by the Treaty of Augusta, May 31, 1783, ran along here. The line ran "from the top of Currahee mountain to the head, or source, of the most southern branch of the Oconee river, including all waters of the same. This boundary line was re-affirmed by the Treaty of Hopewell, Nov. 28, 1785. It was originally marked by a line of felled trees at least twenty feet wide, which became a sort of No Man's Land." The marker was erected in 1953 by the 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission and is marker number 006-1. The immediate area around it is overgrown but you can still read it here. [Review 21130 overall - 701 in Georgia - 93 of 2024.]

Hardman Farm was a nice walk from my hotel. There is a gift shop however, they do not allow pets…read moreand walking I had my dog with me. So that was disappointing that I couldn't go in and explore. we could walk around the grounds and explore the barns and areas of the farm. There are some fantastic views. The main house is gorgeous. The barns are cool. I liked seeing the dairy barn. The land is one of my dreams. The walk back to the hotel was just as nice under the shade of trees following the river.

Stopped in on a whim and just caught a guided tour heading out...so glad we did. Faye was our tour…read moreguide and she moved at a good pace and had some interesting history to share. The house is preserved to it's original state as much as they could (they've added electric lighting, etc) and there's lots of art and personal items to check out. Great way to spend an hour or two if in the area on a nice day. You will walk outside for a good portion of the tour so dress appropriately! There is a lovely gift shop that I'll keep in mind if I'm ever in the area and need a little present or hostess gift :)

Another great historical marker who would have known if it weren't for these historical markers…read more Year Erected: 1996 Marker Text:  This court house, built in 1836, replaced the small log structure used since the establishment of Lumpkin County in 1832. The town was named Dahlonega in October, 1833, for the Cherokee word "Talonega" meaning "golden."From its steps in 1849, Dr. M.F. Stephenson, assayor at the Mint, attempted to dissuade Georgia miners from leaving to join the California gold rush. His oration gave rise to the sayings: "There's millions in it," and "Thar's gold in them thar hills."  Tips for Finding This Marker: Go to the square in downtown Dahlonega, Ga it's located between the old courthouse (Gold Mine Museum) now and the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery - Grab a coffee and admire this historic marker. Latitude 34° 31.955′ north Longitude 83° 59.105′ west

Home of the famous Dahlonega Gold Museum! Although lacks…read moremany gold construction instruments and displays, the 17 minute historical film is interesting/worthwhile. Even the bricks of the courthouse are laced with gold which the tour guide explains enthusiastically. Don't miss this tourist trap as its considered the Town centerpiece. Afterwards one can walk the shops throughout the downtown square.