Twenty years before the 1849 gold rush to Calif, thousands of gold seekers flocked into the Cherokee Nation in what is now North Georgia, beginning the nation's first major gold rush. Today Dahlonega relates the history of the period with exhibits.

The Old Courthouse on the square is the oldest "working" courthouse in Georgia. The court room is open to the public. The lobby features three cabinet displays of artifacts

The Elliott Museum exhibits the historic Bill Elliott Family racing memorabilia and collectables with a Souvenir Center on site. Also Fan Club Headquarters.

The Old Jail has a cabinet display in the entrance hall and items in the upstairs jail cells.