The Confederate Memorial on Stone Mountain
The Stone Mountain Memorial is just northeast of Atlanta in the city of Stone Mountain, Georgia. This popular attraction draws more than 4 million visitors each year. Carved onto a dome of granite that stands more than 700 feet high, the Mount Rushmore-like sculpture pays homage to heroes of the Civil War. The Park itself contains 3,200 acres of natural and man-made attractions.
Geography
Just 10 minutes from Atlanta, Stone Mountain is in the metropolitan area of DeKalb County. It is part of a large belt of granite that runs along the western rim of the Piedmont Mountain range. Standing 1,683 feet above sea level, it runs approximately 9 miles underground. The base of the mountain is approximately 5 miles in circumference. At roughly 700 feet above the surrounding Georgia Piedmont Mountains, it can be seen from Amicalola Falls State Park and Kennesaw Mountain.
The Civil War Memorial
In 1912, United Daughters of the Confederacy charter member Helen Plane began to execute a plan for a memorial to the late general Robert E. Lee carved onto the north face of Stone Mountain. Fund-raising issues and problems with three different sculptors followed, but eventually the sculpture was dedicated in 1970. It features Generals Lee and Stonewall Jackson, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The entire sculpture measures three acres and stands 400 feet above the ground.
Attractions
During the summer months, a Lasershow Spectacular is played directly onto the surface of the Memorial carving. A patriotic tribute to the southern states, the show combines fireworks, laser lights, classic and popular music and ends with the Star Spangled Banner. Other attractions include a Sky Hike, the Summit Skyride, an Antebellum Plantation and a Scenic Railroad.
Directions
Stone Mountain is approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. It is accessible from Interstate 285, which is the perimeter loop that circles Atlanta. Take Exit 39B from I-285, which leads to U.S. 78. Stone Mountain Parkway, which takes you to the park entrance, is eight miles east at Exit 8 on U.S. 78.
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