Visiting Stone Mountain

Georgia, in the southeastern United States, was the last of the original 13 colonies, and easily visited with a charter bus, coach bus, party bus, mini bus, passenger coach or school bushired from Bus Private. Georgia was one of the original seven Confederate States, and Southern pride still runs strong in the veins of native Georgians. It’s capital, Atlanta is one of America’s most important aviation hubs.
Stone Mountain is one of Georgia’s most famous attractions, as much for its geology as for the enormous bas relief carving on its north face. This 1,686 foot high quartz monzonite dome is 5 miles in circumference at its base, and is surrounded by the Stone Mountain Park. The park is owned by the State of Georgia, and is managed by the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. Ownership of the park’s attractions is by the Memorial Association while being operated by the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation. Stone Mountain is easily reached by private rental bus.
Stone Mountain, as a park for visitors, had a rather infamous beginning. In 1915, a group of hooded men met at Stone Mountain for a revival of the Ku Klax Klan. Led by William J. Simmons, and swearing an oath administered by Nathan Bedford Forrest II, grandson of the original founder of the Klan, General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the reborn Ku Klax Klan took steps to raise funds for a Confederate Memorial to be constructed at Stone Mountain.
The Confederate Memorial Carving is the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture. Covering an area of three vertical acres on Stone Mountain’s north face, the carving depicts three Confederate leaders of the American Civil War, President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, shown seated on their favorite horses, “Blackjack”, “Traveler” and “Little Sorrel” respectively. The carving begins 400 feet above the ground, and is 90 by 120 feet. Work on the carving began in 1916, but the carving was only completed in 1972.
There are numerous attractions at Stone Mountain, all accessible by hiring a private bus from Bus Private. Chief among these is Confederate Hall, where visitors are educated on the geology and history of Stone Mountain, and view a historical documentary on the Civil War. The Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard is an open air museum that showcases 19 buildings built between 1790 and 1875. The buildings are arranged to represent a pre-Civil War Georgia plantation, and the main buildings are furnished with period correct furniture and fittings.
Visitors can walk to the top of Stone Mountain using the Walk Up Trail, a 1.3 mile steep climb that rewards one with panoramic views and cool winds. Alternatively, visitors can use the Skyride, a cable car that brings visitors to the top, while passing the Confederate Memorial on the way. A 732 bell carillon provides a daily concert, and on summer evenings, the Stone Mountain Laser Show Spectacular entertains visitors with a massive light and music show. Planning a trip to Georgia, and visiting Stone Mountain is easy with a private bus. Give Private Bus a call to find out how you can hire a private bus from their fleet of vehicles.