The mine shaft was discovered when the current owners were doing a major renovation project. During construction of the old dining room a new addition, workers found a large size round hold and shaft under a concrete slab they were removing. After removing the debris from the shaft, they discovered discarded contents of the house from days past. Cleaning out the shaft many feet-to their surprise they found the famous gold vein in the side wall of the shaft. The original shaft is for the public to view in the basement of the house.
The date is 1892 and Dahlonega has grown into a thriving community. Frank Hall acquired many business on the town square of Dahlonega. The register was used in his merchantile business located in town. The Welch family restored the register and now is in the History Museum at The Smith House.