In 1832 Christopher Bechtler minted the first $1 gold coin, nearly 17 years before the U.S. Mint made one of their own. Now open to the public, the Bechtler House contains several artifacts from the work and life of the Bechtler family including the original coin press and gold scale.

​

The Bechtler House is also the headquarters for the NC Gold Trail, a heritage destination trail that spans across the state whose purpose is to educate visitors about the NC Gold Rush and the significance it played in the history of the U.S. Start your trek through the rich history of North Carolina.

​

Explore the Gold Mile through downtown.