On August 15, 1856, gold was discovered in Madoc Township by prospectors digging for copper. It was not long before word spread and began Ontario’s first gold rush.

Five miles north of Madoc, on hwy 62, is the hamlet of Eldorado, its name derived from the Spanish language meaning “Gold”. The gold rush caused such rapid growth, twenty five mounted police were brought into the area to preserve law and order. After the gold rush, the town resumed a normal growth and a quieter lifestyle.

In 1951, the Eldorado Cheese Factory was established, putting the Gold back in Eldorado with its award winning Canadian Cheddar cheese. In addition, to its tasty Cheddar, Eldorado also produced Mozzarella, Colby and tasty fresh cheese curds.

Today, this factory is owned and operated by the Eldorado Dairy Company. Along with one of Eldorado’s award winning cheese makers, it begins a whole new era of producing quality cheeses, called Golden Cheese.