Lumpkin County got its territory, formerly part of the Cherokee Nation, from Cherokee, Habersham and Hall counties in 1832. Discovery of gold at Auraria near the county seat of Dahlonega spurred rapid settlement and gave impetus to removal of the Indians from this area. Its name honors Government Wilson Lumpkin. A mint at Dahlonega processed over $33 million in gold from 1836 until 1861.