Jacob Shinn’s optimism was rewarded when he hit something hard while digging on April 9, 1896. The big “rock” — later determined to be a 23-pound gold nugget — was the last major find at Reed Gold ...

“Boys I’ve got it!” Shinn said. Jacob Shinn held onto hope when he visited a North Carolina gold mine 129 years ago, historians said. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, N.C. Department of ...

North Carolina historians said. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources A gold mine was running dry — but a North Carolina man held onto hope when ...