Jacob Scudder and The First Gold Rush in North Georgia

Witness of the Times

Episode 4: The First Gold Rush in North Georgia

Join us in this week’s episode of The Witness of the Times as we embark on a captivating journey into the history of the first gold rush in the United States. Dr. Bruce Baker kicks off a three-episode series on gold mining in North Georgia, beginning with the enthralling tales of Jacob Scudder and two slaves, Dan and Lucinda Riley. Their compelling experiences, intertwined with the allure and deception of gold, offer a deep and poignant perspective on this pivotal era.

As we navigate through this historical narrative, Dr. Baker revisits Mark Twain’s thought-provoking theory on gold, reminding us that "A Gold Mine Is a Hole in the Ground with a Liar at the Top." This episode is the beginning of a fascinating series that explores the significant role gold mining played in shaping the history and culture of North Georgia.

Show Notes:

• Introduction to Gold Mining in North Georgia: Dr. Bruce Baker introduces the first of a three-part series, focusing on the early gold rush and its impact on the region.
• Tales of Jacob Scudder, Dan, and Lucinda Riley: Explore the stories of these individuals whose lives were deeply affected by the lure of gold.
• Mark Twain’s Perspective on Gold: Reflect on Twain’s famous observation about the deceit often associated with gold mining, providing a critical lens through which to view this period in history.

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Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
• Music: Jorgen Hallberg
• Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker

Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Witness of the Times. We look forward to continuing this exciting series with you in the coming weeks.