This week's episode features Stone Mountain.  As Confederate statues are torn down across the country and the nation wrestles with its past, there are heated arguments about the fate of the Monument at Stone Mountain, Georgia, the Confederate Mount Rushmore.

Nestled in Georgia, the enigmatic Stone Mountain has been a hotbed of controversy. Its majestic granite edifice is engraved with a Confederate monument that has become the nucleus of fierce debates. To some, the monument is a historical artifact to be preserved, while others view it as an uncomfortable reminder of America’s painful past.  

A rally in 2016 escalated the controversy as ‘pro-white’ supporters clashed with anti-KKK demonstrators at the site, tying the monument to a divisive and hateful ideology.  

However, Stone Mountain’s historical value extends beyond its 20th-century carvings. Its origins trace back to Indigenous American tribes who once revered this area. Despite this, the mountain’s true significance is often eclipsed by the contentious monument.  

In recent years, calls for the carving’s removal have grown. Protests against the symbol’s slavery and racist associations have swept the area, further fueling the debate. Meanwhile, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association has attempted to balance the scales by unveiling a ‘truth-telling’ exhibit and relocating the Confederate flag plaza.  

Despite the fiery debates, Stone Mountain remains a notable tourist destination. The ramifications of altering this site are substantial and could significantly impact local tourism. In this historic struggle, Stone Mountain’s future is as uncertain as the past it represents. To learn more about the World’s largest Confederate monument, a new documentary from the Atlanta History Center highlights both views. The documentary is called Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain. You can find more information about the documentary here.  

Join us at the Columbus Library for a free screening of Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain, followed by a panel discussion.  The event is Wednesday, August 9 at 6:30pm.  Learn more here.