1799 heralds one of the beginnings of the gold rush fevers. We're in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Conrad Reed does not attend Church this particular Sunday. He plays hooky. There's a small stream running through his father's farm.
Fishing is a much more attractive enterprise than going to church.
Excitement spreads through the village. There's gold in them thar waters. The largest nugget found weighed 28 pounds. News traveled and they came a runnin' from all over the world to the wilderness areas of North Carolina to make their fortunes. Boom towns with populations of 500 to 5000 sprang up overnight.