When I first went to Stone Mountain, I really didn’t know what to expect. There was not a battlefield and I knew there was a big rock. Other than that I went in a a blank slate just willing to take in whatever was there. When I left, I had a great appreciation for what it was. This is really a combination of what I saw and a response to those who claim that its not worth seeing because it wasn’t what they thought it should be.

It was a very enjoyable experience. First of all there’s that “rock.” Now those of you from the West and further up the Appalachain mountains may not appreciate it because it’s n ot as grand as some of the ranges there, but…appreciate it for what it is. Something that is completely different from the surrounding area, a large canvas with excellent art on it, and most of all, a tribute to an era now lost. I am from the MIdwest and I am a student of the Civil War. Most would say that means I’m a Yankee…

Not really. I was moved by the state memorials located throughout the park and along the sides of the main viewing lawn. We don’t often see this side of the Civil War. Stone Mountain is a tribute to all of the soldiers who fought and died for the Confederacy in 1861-1865. Does that mean you have to agree with their decision to appreciate and visit this place? Well, it helps, but no you don’t!

This monument is in honor of the men who fought for what they believed was right. It’s not about slavery. It’s not about “The South Shall Rise Again,” mentality that we see so often all across the country.

It is a memorial to their bravery. Get that in your head. This isn’t a huge amusement park for the kids to run around and ride roller coasters. its not intended to be a hike that will allow to see 7 states when you reach the top. It’s not even a place to try to bring back the old SOuth. IT IS A MONUMENTFOR MENS’ BRAVERY IN FIGHTINGFORWHATTHEYDEEMEDRIGHT. If you don’t feel that way, don’t go…or go and educate yourself to the real story behind the Civil War.

P.S. I am an Enlightened Yankee, but I can look at all of the issues and make my own decisions about what happened. Don’t make your judgements without doing your own research. You might just be an enlightened Yankee too.