Unusual US Landmarks - Stone Mountain Park
History stone mountain originates long before the arrival of European colonizers. For them, the future attraction, near the city of Atlanta, opened in 1567. At that time, the indigenous inhabitants of America lived here - the Creek and Cherokee tribes. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the lands have been called rock mountain (Rock Mountain). Even then, the mountain attracted locals for walks and recreation.
Feeling the tourist potential of the mountain stone mountain this is where Entrepreneur Aaron Cloud unfolds. Already in 1838, an observation tower appeared on the top. Later a small restaurant and shop.
In parallel, active mining of granite begins here. An interesting fact is that Stone Mountain itself was privately owned. The enterprising Venable brothers bought the mountain and the granite mining rights for $45. The state of Georgia bought these places only 000 years later, in 70.
What is Stone Mountain?
The mountain was formed over 300-350 million years ago. In geological terms, it is a pluton, the result of a magmatic eruption from the surface of the earth. The magma solidified and Stone Mountain formed. Rich in minerals materials: quartz, plagioclase, microcline, muscovite and even Tourmaline. Of course, granite was of the greatest interest.
The largest bas-relief sculpture in the world
Stone Mountain is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the state of Georgia. There is a good reason for this - here is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world.
The relief is a memorial to the American Civil War. It depicts three Confederate leaders: President Jefferson Davis, General Robert Lee and Thomas George Jackson. All three sit on their favorite horses "Blackjack", "Traveler" and "Little Sorrel".
The carving rises at the level of 120 meters, and the size of the figure is impressive: 23 by 48 meters.
Work on the construction of the monument went hard. Started in 1916 and planned to finish in 12 years. But the lack of funding and technical difficulties have contributed. And later, an aggravated conflict between the customer (Georgia) and the contractor (Borglum) led to a complete halt in work. Borglum destroyed all his work, and part of the completed face of General Lee was blown up.
The sculptor August Lukeman undertook the updated project, but already in 1928 the work was stopped again. (Photo above)
In 1941 there was an attempt to take up the memorial again. But the intro USA in hostilities put an end to work.
Only in 1958 there was hope for the completion of the work. There was money and a new master. The carving of the bas-relief was completed on March 3, 1972. Stone Mountain Park itself officially opened on April 14, 1965.
Stone Mountain Park today
Anyone can visit the park today. Entrance to the territory is paid, the cost per car per day is $15. You can purchase an annual subscription for $40. Great option for locals.
The park opens from 5:00 am until midnight.
The funicular ride costs $ 15 per person, you can climb on foot. There is also an option to purchase tickets online - see here.
Stone Mountain Park hosts a laser show on summer evenings. The history of the state of Georgia is shown and of course the process of carving the monument itself.
Today, like many years ago, there is a small restaurant and a souvenir shop on the top of the mountain. Trails and various activities have been created. And even some of the outdoor scenes for Netflix's Stranger Things were filmed in Stone Mountain Park. Many tourists come here every year, try to visit this unusual attraction in the United States.
