Join us at the Bartow History Museum for a special presentation by Dr. Bill Witherspoon, geologist and co-author of Roadside Geology of Georgia. Dr. Witherspoon will share a captivating slideshow titled Golddiggers, Generals, and Tightrope Walkers: Three Georgia Geology Tales, revealing how Earth science connects to Georgia’s rich history. Discover how north Georgia’s gold deposits – formed by ancient volcanic activity and continental collisions – sparked America’s first gold rush, inspiring the famous ’29ers and later the California ’49ers. Learn how the Valley and Ridge landscape of northwest Georgia, shaped by tilted sedimentary rock layers, influenced the Civil War’s Atlanta Campaign through key rail lines, defensive positions, and water sources. Explore the dramatic Tallulah Gorge in northeast Georgia, created when a river captured waters from another watershed, resulting in a narrow gorge known for its breathtaking tightrope walks and adventures.
About Dr. Bill Witherspoon
Dr. Witherspoon has led over 100 geology walks and talks across the state. He co-authored the book with Dr. Pamela J.W. Gore. His background includes teaching geology at the University of Tennessee, working in petroleum and software development, and 17 years as a K-12 geology educator.
