Georgia Guidestones Site | Atlanta

The Georgia Guidestones were a granite monument located in Elbert County, Georgia, USA. The monument consisted of four large granite slabs arranged around a central stone, inscribed with a ten-part message in multiple languages.

Visual Characteristics

The monument comprised four 16-foot-tall, 20-ton granite slabs, arranged in a square formation. A central capstone measured approximately 4 feet wide by 16 feet long. The granite was light gray. The slabs were inscribed with text in eight modern languages and four ancient languages. A small astronomical capstone was positioned above the four upright slabs, with a hole drilled through it to align with the North Star and a slot to mark the sun's passage at the solstices and equinoxes.

Location & Access Logistics

The Georgia Guidestones were situated approximately 7 miles north of the town of Elberton, Georgia, off State Route 77. The site was accessible via a paved road leading from the highway. Parking was available at the site. No public transport options were available to reach the location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was commissioned in 1979 by a pseudonymous individual or group known as R.C. Christian. The construction was completed in March 1980. The original purpose, as stated by R.C. Christian, was to serve as a guide for humanity in the event of a catastrophic global event.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors could read the inscriptions on the granite slabs. The site was designed to align with celestial events, with a hole in the capstone aligning with the North Star and a slot marking the sun's position at the solstices and equinoxes.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A small parking area was present at the site. No restrooms, shade structures, or food vendors were located at the immediate monument site. Cell phone signal was generally available in the area.

Best Time to Visit

The site was accessible during daylight hours. For astronomical observations, visiting during the solstices or equinoxes would align with the monument's design. The best time of day for viewing the inscriptions would be when the sun was not directly overhead, to avoid glare.

Facts & Legends

The identity of R.C. Christian and the full motivations behind the Georgia Guidestones remain subjects of speculation. The monument was destroyed by an explosive device on July 6, 2022.

Nearby Landmarks

• Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit (2.5km South)
• Samuel H. Oliver State Park (8km Southwest)
• Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area (15km Northeast)