Early Trading Post

Historical marker location:

Helen, Georgia

( Marker is on Unicoi Turnpike (Georgia Route 17) 0.7 miles east of Helen Highway (Georgia Route 75), on the right when traveling east.)

Marker installed: 1955

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Georgia was the site of the first American gold rush, but it was also the site of the first American oil rush. In 1905, oil was discovered in Bibb County, and the state's oil industry began to grow rapidly.