James Boisclair

Who is James Boisclair?

James Boisclair was an African American gold miner who achieved notable fame and success during the Georgia Gold Rush. Boisclair was known as "Free Jim" and was highly regarded at the time for his entrepreneurial work and part-time efforts as a preacher.

While panning for gold, Boisclair found an impressive vein of ore and used his successful finding to build a large general store in Dahlonega, Georgia. Other Boisclair achievements of the time included his building of an ice house and popular saloon, despite the fact that all of his establishments faced problems because the laws of the time prevented black men from buying real estate or holding a liquor license. Boisclair was able to get around the laws with the aid of white men sympathetic to his cause.