History of Stone Mountain in Timeline
Stone Mountain is a prominent quartz monzonite dome monadnock located in Stone Mountain Park, approximately 15 miles east of Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its geological significance, the mountain is a notable natural landmark within the state. Stone Mountain Park, which encompasses the monadnock, is recognized as the most visited tourist attraction in Georgia, drawing visitors for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Outside the park, the city of Stone Mountain provides a gateway to exploring this unique geological formation. The area combines natural wonder with cultural and recreational activities, making it a significant point of interest for both locals and tourists.
1923: Fundraising Resumes for Stone Mountain Monument
In 1923, fundraising efforts for the Stone Mountain monument resumed, with the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) continuing to support the vision of creating a Confederate memorial. Mrs. Plane's influence was notable in this renewed initiative.
1925: Commemorative Coins Issued for Stone Mountain
In 1925, the UDC and the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial Association (SMCMA) continued their fundraising efforts for the Stone Mountain project, raising $250,000, partially with federal support. The government issued commemorative fifty-cent coins featuring Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson to aid fundraising.
May 7, 1928: Mail Plane Crash Lands on Stone Mountain
On May 7, 1928, a mail plane crashed onto Stone Mountain. The pilot, Johnny S. Kytle, survived and managed to retrieve the mail, descending the mountain on foot.
1958: State of Georgia Acquires Stone Mountain
In 1958, the State of Georgia purchased Stone Mountain from the Venable family, who had owned the mountain since 1887.
1960: Historic Square buildings chosen and moved
Beginning in 1960, Atlanta architect James Means, investor Christie Bell Kennedy, and antiques dealer Kenneth Garcia started selecting and relocating historic buildings to create Historic Square at Stone Mountain. This project was inspired by the model of Colonial Williamsburg.
1960: State of Georgia Purchases Stone Mountain
In 1960, the State of Georgia completed the purchase of Stone Mountain and nullified a previous agreement that allowed the Ku Klux Klan to hold meetings on the property.
August 1963: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech References Stone Mountain
In August 1963, during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. referred to Stone Mountain in his 'I Have a Dream' speech, envisioning a future of freedom ringing from the mountain.
1963: Historic Square completed with historic buildings and farmyard
By 1963, the Historic Square at Stone Mountain was completed, featuring historic buildings relocated from around Georgia, including plantation houses and slave cabins, as well as a farmyard with historic breeds of animals. This area was originally opened as the "Antebellum Plantation."
1984: FM radio station WABE FM 90.1 located on the tower
In 1984, FM radio station WABE FM 90.1 was installed on the short broadcast tower atop Stone Mountain. This tower also hosts other communication stations and is vital for various transmissions.
1996: Stone Mountain Hosts 1996 Olympic Events
In 1996, Stone Mountain Park served as a venue for the Summer Olympics, hosting events in tennis, archery, and track cycling. The archery and cycling venues were temporary.
September 16, 2003: Plane Crash on Stone Mountain
On September 16, 2003, a small plane crashed into Stone Mountain, killing the pilot. The incident was determined to be a suicide, with the pilot intentionally flying into the mountain.
2005: WABE FM 90.1 relocated to accommodate WGTV's digital conversion
In 2005, FM radio station WABE FM 90.1 was required to relocate from the short broadcast tower on Stone Mountain to make room for WGTV's digital conversion. This change marked a significant adjustment in the tower's usage.
2011: Unveiling of Mountainvision laser show
During Memorial Day Weekend of 2011, Stone Mountain unveiled Mountainvision, an upgraded version of the laser show. This new show featured digital projections, lasers, special effects, and pyrotechnics, offering visitors a more immersive experience.
July 2015: Proposal to Remove Confederate Carving at Stone Mountain
In July 2015, the Atlanta NAACP proposed the removal of the Confederate carving at Stone Mountain Park. The decision required approval from the Georgia Legislature due to its status as a 'military monument.'
October 11, 2015: Proposal for a 'Freedom Bell' at Stone Mountain
On October 11, 2015, it was reported that Stone Mountain Park considered adding a 'Freedom Bell' to honor Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by his 'I Have a Dream' speech. However, the proposal faced opposition from the NAACP and the SCLC.
2015: Debate on Confederate Symbols at Stone Mountain
In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, Stone Mountain became a focal point for political debate about removing Confederate symbols, as movements to eliminate Confederate flags and statues gained momentum in various states.
August 2017: Call for Removal of Stone Mountain Carving
In August 2017, after a violent rally in Charlottesville, Stacey Abrams called for the removal of the Confederate carving on Stone Mountain, describing it as a 'blight upon our state.'
2019: Introduction of Rockin’ Land and Lake Tour
In 2019, Stone Mountain's Crossroads attraction replaced its duck boats with the Rockin’ Land and Lake Tour, following safety concerns with duck-boat accidents elsewhere. This tour includes rides on a double-decker bus and a pontoon boat, enhancing the visitor experience.
July 5, 2020: Protest for Removal of Stone Mountain Carving
On July 5, 2020, a protest by the Not Fucking Around Coalition (NFAC) took place at Stone Mountain, advocating for the removal of the Confederate carving and addressing systemic racism.
August 15, 2020: Closure of Stone Mountain Park Due to Planned Gatherings
On August 15, 2020, Stone Mountain Park was temporarily closed due to a planned gathering of white nationalists. A conflict arose in downtown between various groups, including white supremacists and Black Lives Matter counter-protestors, but no injuries were reported.
May 23, 2022: Thrive Attractions Management Approved as New Manager
On May 23, 2022, Thrive Attractions Management Group was approved as the new manager of Stone Mountain Park's attractions, following a bidding process.
2022: Release of "Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain" documentary
In 2022, the Atlanta History Center released "Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain," a documentary exploring the complex history of Stone Mountain. This film provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of the site.
2022: New Management Contract for Stone Mountain Park
In 2022, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association entered a 10-year contract with Thrive Attractions Management Group to operate the park's attractions, while retaining ownership.
2023: Retirement of the Laser Show for Music Across America Light Show
On Memorial Day Weekend of 2023, Stone Mountain Park officially retired the Laser Show to launch the new Music Across America Light Show. The Laser Show continues to run on selected nights as of 2023, marking a transition in the park's entertainment offerings.