Our History

For nearly two centuries, Stone Mountain Village has welcomed visitors to one of Georgia's most remarkable destinations. Drawn by the awe-inspiring granite monolith, early settlers established a frontier community in the 1830s that was first known as New Gibraltar before becoming Stone Mountain in 1847. The arrival of the railroad transformed the village into a thriving center of commerce and tourism, connecting visitors from across the region to the mountain's natural beauty and the growing community at its base.

As the village grew, its story was shaped by entrepreneurs, railroad workers, granite craftsmen, and families from around the world whose work helped build cities across America. Following the Civil War, formerly enslaved men and women established Shermantown, a resilient community that remains an important part of Stone Mountain's history and heritage. Together, the historic downtown and Shermantown reflect the diverse people and experiences that have shaped the city for generations.

Today, Stone Mountain Village invites you to experience that living history firsthand. Stroll historic Main Street, explore beautifully preserved nineteenth-century buildings, discover museums and cultural attractions, enjoy locally owned shops and restaurants, and learn the stories that continue to shape this remarkable community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of Georgia's finest surviving historic railroad towns, Stone Mountain Village blends history, culture, and Southern hospitality into an experience unlike any other. And as you'll soon discover, the mountain is only the beginning.