Pickens County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia about 50 miles north of Atlanta.
Jasper
The county seat of Pickens County was named for Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War soldier. Nicknamed “The First Mountain City”, Jasper was incorporated in 1857. Early businesses included a lumber mill, marble plant, harness and shoe shop.
Today, the City of Jasper offers a small town atmosphere where visitors can enjoy quaint shops and boutiques, unique restaurants, local wine, beer and spirits, and exciting annual festivals including Georgia Marble Festival, held the first weekend of October at Lee Newton Park.
Marble Hill
Located at the northeastern end of the marble quarry area between several mountains, and at the head of Long Swamp Valley, Marble Hill is the site of the annual Sheriff’s JeepFest when Jeepers from across the U.S. come for a three day festival.
Also just “outside the gates” of the Big Canoe development, Marble Hill is home to great restaurants and shopping.
Nelson
The Georgia Marble Company purchased the property of John Nelson located on the railroad near the Cherokee County line for a finishing plant. Since then, the stone for many buildings throughout the country, and many publicly displayed marble sculptures and fountains have been finished here.
Talking Rock
While there are several legends regarding the origin of the town’s name, Talking Rock is situated on a creek of the same name. Being on the Old Federal Road, it was one of the earliest settlements in the area. One of the earliest cotton mills in Georgia was started here by William C Atherton, and flourished until the Civil War.
Today Talking Rock is charming and quiet, off the beaten path and along the creek where Cherokees once farmed. Quaint shops filled with antiques and collectibles line the main street and a new craft brewery occupies an old rail car. Each October, the town is packed with visitors for the free Heritage Days Festival that includes food, fun, music and shopping.
Tate
Known as the “Home of Georgia Marble” is the town of Tate. The main quarries of The Georgia Marble Company were located here, as well as one of its large marble works. This is one of the oldest settlements in the County, and in fact was the site of the very first election.
Today, visitors to the Georgia Marble Festival, held the first weekend of October annually, can get a tour of the marble quarries which are still in operation. Wedding and special events are held at the Tate House, a historic home built with Georgia pink marble.