Chasing that elusive dream...
This site is dedicated to the gold mining enthusiast
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Research Information
documented gold finds in the state of Ohio
NEW !!!
mineral identification and more..
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←Video of the 2008 Gold pan Races
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Image from the Ohio Buckeye Chapter 2008 Thermal City bus trip. To see more click here
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The history of gold mining in the United States abounds with tales of fortune
seekers, both the lucky and the luckless. Thousands of hearty souls put their safe
lives behind them and ventured out into the wilderness, allured by the promise of
aurelian riches and the chance at instant wealth. Many died looking and many more
wore down their bodies in their search. There were few who did strike it rich and
some who found their mother-lode was simply being free men living the way they
chose in a land of splendor that only God himself could have created.
The days of the 49ers have long passed but our yearning for gold has not faded.
Today there are over 50,000 Americans involved in recreational gold prospecting or
small-scale gold mining operations. As in the past, the vast majority will never find
fortune sifting through river gravels but as any other sportsman will tell you, it's not
about finding the prize you seek but the quest itself that is the most rewarding. The
Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) is an organization that is dedicated
to finding and mining gold on a small or recreational scale. With 80 local chapters in
30 states the GPAA is the world's largest gold prospecting club. Formed in 1968 by
George "Buzzard" Massey to preserve and promote the great heritage of the North
American prospector, the GPAA is much more than a fraternity of grizzled miners.
Yes, the GPAA's main goal is to help the enthusiast with their search for the elusive
yellow metal but just as important is their mission to educate the small miner about
doing so responsibly. The Association strongly frowns upon mining methods that harm
the environment. We want to ensure our children will be able to take their own
children gold panning; so that they too can wander from their cities and revel in the
beauty of nature.
Here in Ohio the gold is known to be sparse and minute but we hopeful sappers
gather nonetheless. The Ohio Buckeye GPAA chapter holds meetings at our Ohio
GPAA claims, share potluck meals, and have common digs where seasoned
prospectors and newcomers work side by side sharing prospecting tips and equally
splitting the rewards of our day's effort. We also take occasional group trips to distant
gold prospecting locations and have a huge annual Gold Rush Days celebration on
Labor Day weekend. With activities ranging from horseshoes to chili cook-offs to a
talent show and an entire weekend of free children's events, this is an outing with
something for everyone.
Thanks for stopping by. As you paruse the site, you will find our chapter schedule
and other important announcements as well as links to other gold prospecting and
informational websites. I hope you take the opportunity to attend one of the
Buckeye chapter meetings or events, I'm sure you will enjoy the visit.
We don't always measure the gold we find in ounces but in the amount of quality
time spent with families and friends; that's the kind of "gold" that money cannot buy.
If we can be of any assistance please contact us here with questions or comments.