Visitors to Stone Mountain Georgia are often amazed by the enormous monolith at the center of the park. A Confederate Memorial Carving depicting President Jefferson Davis and Civil War generals graces the rock’s peak. The Summit Skyride cable car takes visitors to the top of the rock, and buildings from 1793 fill the Historic Square. If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, you’ve come to the right place.
Before European explorers came to the area, the mountain was inhabited by Early Archaic native peoples. Early Native American inhabitants built a rock wall around the summit of Stone Mountain, similar to that at Fort Mountain. However, its purpose has never been clear. It was demolished by the early twentieth century. It was the eastern terminus of the Campbellton Trail, which wound through the Atlanta area. However, the mountain was a great place to meet with family and friends.
The Stone Mountain cemetery dates to the 1850s. It is a microcosm of the village’s history. There are 71 known Confederate soldiers and 200 unknown Confederates buried in the cemetery. The cemetery also contains the graves of a Union soldier, James Sprayberry. The cemetery is also the resting place of George Pressley Trout and his horse. Another interesting feature of the cemetery is the small museum hidden in the building. Visitors can explore the history of Stone Mountain and the Civil War artifacts.
Helen Plane, a Civil War widow and charter member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, brought the issue of a memorial to the state and city UDC chapters. The UDC soon gained support for the project. Initially, she considered the work of Auguste Rodin, but ultimately chose Gutzon Borglum instead. She also suggested that the statue be smaller, and the park be free of advertisements. There was a great deal of debate about the design of the monument, which ultimately stalled its development until the end of World War II.
The park features more than three thousand acres of open space. Visitors can hike or bike 15 miles of wooded trails, or participate in various activities like hiking, fishing, or a picnic in one of the many picnic areas. There are also picnic areas and charcoal grill sites, and a dozen restaurants and snack bars to keep you fueled during your stay in Stone Mountain. The park has something to offer everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers.
The city is governed by a council-manager form of government. The residents elect a mayor and six council members, staggered every two years. A professional city manager handles the day-to-day operations of the town, including police, fire, code enforcement, and municipal court. Residents also elect standing commissions for downtown development, historic preservation, and planning & zoning. The city has also earned the designation of City of Ethics by the Georgia Municipal Association.
Visitors to Stone Mountain Georgia should plan a visit to the summit to view the breathtaking views. From there, visitors can view 45 miles of Georgia landscape and the Atlanta skyline. The summit is the ideal place to spread a blanket and watch the sun rise and set. Regardless of your personal preference, you are sure to have a memorable experience. The views from the summit are enough to make anyone feel like a queen. Just make sure not to fill your canteen with cocktail sauce, though.
Visitors to Stone Mountain should be aware that the park is wheelchair accessible. There are parking lots in the park that are clearly marked. Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the scenic vistas from a cable car, Stone Mountain has a wide range of options. You can enjoy both the historic and modern amenities of this Atlanta landmark, and you’ll want to make a reservation at one of the hotels. It’s worth noting that Stone Mountain has several dining options.
The world’s longest running lasershow is held at Stone Mountain each year. Almost thirty years, this show is an Atlanta tradition. Multi-dimensional images synchronize with the cinematic music and are interspersed with breathtaking fireworks. While you’re there, make sure to watch the breathtaking Stone Mountain Laser Show Spectacular, which is free with parking admission. A spectacular nighttime show is guaranteed to thrill visitors and locals alike.
In 1915, William Simmons brought 15 of his associates to Stone Mountain near Atlanta. In a ceremony before the premiere of Birth of a Nation, Simmons and his followers welcomed the Second Ku Klux Klan to the mountain. A second KKK chapter was founded, based on the same beliefs as the original, and it ushered in a new era of the Ku Klux Klan. The two groups later split apart, with a common hatred of race and white supremacy.
