New Aug. Program: The story of James “Free Jim” Boisclair by Chris Worick. Thur. 13 Aug @7pm; Community House

Post date: Aug 11, 2015 3:26:0 PM

One of Lumpkin County’s most fascinating figures of the Gold Rush era was a former slave named James Boisclair. Local folklore tells us that Boisclair came to Dahlonega during the 1830s from Augusta and became one of the wealthiest shop owners in town. When he had acquired enough money, he was able to buy a gold mine still known as the Free Jim mine on the outskirts of Dahlonega.

When the California Gold Rush began in 1849, Boisclair like many other Lumpkin County miners headed west for the new El Dorado. Legend has it that “Free Jim” was killed in a dispute over a mining claim shortly after arriving in California. But how much of this story is true?

Chris Worick will give a presentation on who James Boisclair really was and what happened to him after leaving for California.

Thursday, August 13, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

at the Community House, 111 North Park St.

Come and bring a friend