Georgia’s capitol dome wasn’t always covered in gold

Eleven U.S. states have state capitol domes topped with gold. Georgia’s didn’t have gold until 1959 — years after its original 1889 construction. The gold addition was proposed when construction began to repair the dome in 1957.

Nearby Dahlonega had its own gold rush around 1929 so officials asked the city to gather gold for the dome. Local citizens panned for gold and donations were sought from those who had pieces found over the previous decades.

The 43 ounces collected were transported to Atlanta by seven covered wagons over three days, then sent to Philadelphia to be milled into gold leaf.

– MaryGrace Williams, 360 Media, Inc.