Stone Mountain---World's Largest Tombstone

Stone Mountain's Sheer North Face, With the Three Acre Carving of the Heroes of the Confederacy

Rising out of the plains of north Georgia, some 13 miles northeast of Atlanta, a huge granite monolith looms like an otherworldly reminder of the ancient power of Mother Nature.  The first time I ever saw Stone Mountain, I was blown away by its sheer mass and beauty.

Carved in Granite:  Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis Ride Again

It juts skyward, an 825 foot high quartz monzonite/granite/granodiorite wonder.  It is 5 miles in circumference. 

On the sheer north slope is a giant carving---a tribute to the heroes of the old confederacy---depicting Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis on horseback.  It is the largest carving in the world, begun by Gutzon Borglum (Mt Rushmore) in 1923.  The carving covers a 3-acre area, and looms 400 feet above the plain below.

The Walking Trail to the Top of the Mountain is 1.3 Miles Long

The top of the mountain is accessible by a western trail walking route (1.3 miles) or the skyride cable car.

The Cable Car On Its Way To The Top As It Passes the Famous Carving

When my dad passed away a few years ago, his remains were cremated.  There was a discussion among the family members as to where we thought he might want his ashes scattered.  We decided he would approve of a scattering atop this mighty tribute to nature, which was only a few miles from where he had lived.

My Dad

The family met at Stone Mountain state park one windy morning, and took the skyride to the top.  We gathered above the carving; and, as we overlooked the expansive Georgia countryside, I tossed his remains to the breeze.  The wind was quite strong that day, and the dust blew his ashes all over the top of the monolith. 


The Top Of "The Rock" Offers Spectacular Views

 Now, whenever I see Stone Mountain on my trips back to Georgia, I think of my dad.  He exists as part of our air and water and soil.  What a wonderful tombstone!