A Town Built on a Gold Mine

Gold Rush History

McCormick held the first Gold Rush Festival in 1977 to commemorate the initial gold discoveries in the town almost 200 years earlier. Gold was first discovered in McCormick during the late 1790s and resulted in 14 registered mines located in the Long Cane area of the county. The mid- to late 1800s marked gold discoveries by William Burkhalter Dorn, the establishment of Dorn’s Gold Mines, and Cyrus McCormick’s investment in the town’s gold mines.

According to ACHP, the Gold Rush Festival historically included a weekend of spinning, quilting, panning for gold, dancing, musical entertainment, a parade, and the Miss Gold Rush Pageant. Past festivals also included tours of the town’s historic sites and Friday night showcases during the "Art Trots." Town businesses would also stay open later to allow visitors to enjoy refreshments and stroll through the stores.