Marble Hill, Georgia – Home to the Georgia Marble Company
Marble hill, Georgia is an unincorporated community in Pickens County known for its scenic beauty, characterized by lush forests and rolling hills. It’s popular for outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, and is home to a variety of natural features like streams, waterfalls, and rivers that support trout and bass fishing. Additionally, the area is known for its proximity to wineries and vineyards.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation:
- Lush Forests and Rolling Hills:.The area is characterized by beautiful landscapes, perfect for enjoying nature.
- Streams, Waterfalls, and Rivers: Marblehill features streams that feed the region’s rivers and lakes, which are home to good fishing.
- Hiking and Horseback Riding: The scenic beauty makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Proximity to Wineries and Vineyards: Several wineries and vineyards are located in the area, offering tours and tastings.
Specific Attractions:
- Appalachian Gun Range: A popular shooting range.
- Gibbs Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden.
- Swan Center Monastery: An educational site.
- Feather’s Edge Vineyards: An art gallery, winery, and vineyard.
- Fainting Goat Vineyards and Winery: Another winery and vineyard option.
- Toile & Bubble Spa & Boutique: A spa and boutique.
Historical Significance:
- Marble Quarry: The community was named for a marble quarry nearby.
- Tate House: This historic house was constructed using “Pink Marble” from the area.
Marble Hill, Georgia, is an unincorporated community in Pickens County. Its history is closely tied to the Georgia marble industry, particularly the Georgia Marble Company. The name comes from the marble quarries near the town site, and a post office was established there in 1889.
Early History:
- Native Americans used North Georgia marble for various purposes hundreds of years before the commercial industry began.
- The marble industry in Pickens County started in the mid-1830s with Irish stonemason Henry Fitzsimmons discovering a hard rock outcrop.
- Samuel Tate later purchased land and mineral rights, forming the Georgia Marble Company.
- The railroad arrived in 1883, greatly improving the transportation of marble, which became highly sought after.
Marblehill's Significance:
- The community is known as the “Marble Capital of Georgia”.
- The Georgia Marble Company, with its headquarters in Marble Hill, played a significant role in the industry.
- Marble from the area was used in numerous notable buildings, including the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol.
- The Tate house, a pink marble mansion built in 1926, stands as a testament to the county’s marble industry.
Modern Era:
- The Georgia Marble Company remains a major presence in the area.
- Marble from Pickens County is still used in various products, including building materials, monuments, and even chewing gum.
