Gold Panning In Tennessee

where can i pan for gold in tennessee?

Most people are unaware that the very first Gold Rush in the US was in Monroe County, Tennessee, right in the area of Coker Creek. Gold was first discovered here in 1827 but the land was owned by the Cherokee nation at the time and the boom was considered as unofficial. The official boom didn’t start until around 1836 when it became clear that the native Cherokee and other tribes would not lay claim on the gold since they were being deported on the infamous “Trail of Tears” ordered by President Andrew Jackson, in defiance of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall.

The Gold belt lies within the Cherokee National Forest and surrounding areas. Gold panning is allowed throughout the forest, but to dredge or sluice you need a permit. Contact the Tellico Ranger District, Rout 3, Tellico River Road, P.O. Box 339, Tellico Plains TN 37385. Phone 615-253-2520.

Grandpa’s Gold Show 4.21.10