Atlanta and Stone Mountain, GA v. 50

We learned at Mt. Rushmore that its sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, was the original sculptor commissioned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to carve a Confederate memorial at Stone Mountain, Georgia. Not a humble man, he wanted to carve something grander than a 70 foot statue of General Robert E. Lee on the face of the largest piece of exposed granite in the world, as was proposed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.  He proposed and began work on a scene including Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis.  Unfortunately, they were wearing their hats.  Since no Southern Gentleman would wear a hat in the presence of a lady, the work was unacceptable to the Daughters, so Borglum, in anger, destroyed his detailed models.  This is the South, remember.  Borglum was threatened with arrest for destroying the Daughters' property, and fled Georgia.  There was some other issue about misuse of funds as well...Thus he was immediately available to carve Mt. Rushmore!

Davis, Lee, and Jackson

the train that encircles Stone Mountain

At the (USGS) top!

Photo break on the way up

These days, Stone Mountain is a jewel.  The 1 mile trail is steep at times but very manageable. I thought it was fascinating that trees could grow on a big rock like that.

Comment from Becca: "This is a fun place, but at 13, I've outgrown most of the theme park"

The park itself is part theme park, part golf resort, part campground, part outdoor festival, and completely beautiful.  I didn't know it existed before we heard the Mt. Rushmore story- in South Dakota!  It is definitely worth a visit, and we found it oddly affordable...

We happened to be there during the Pow Wow- the largest annual gathering of Native Americans in Georgia.  This, Becca loved.  The 2 men in the photo presented 3 or 4 programs over 2 days, and she soaked in each one.  They covered history, making fire, hunting, living spaces, and of course, 2 rifle shots per demo.

 There was a birds of prey demonstration that she saw twice- fascinating.  

We were so happy to see friends in Atlanta as well!  Thanks to Eric and Patricia for arranging and hosting!  So good to see the Bob's classmates from West Point.  Of course, I forgot to take photos.