Discover
Our Marble
Renowned for its exceptionally pure stone, Pickens County, Georgia sits atop one of the most significant marble deposits in the world. The Georgia marble vein stretches 5 to 7 miles long, nearly half a mile wide, and reaches depths of up to 2,000 feet, making Pickens County internationally recognized as Georgia’s Marble Capital.
Marble
Through the Centuries
Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans were using Georgia marble as early as 800 AD. In the 1830s, marble production expanded when Henry Fitzsimmons established the first marble quarries and the region’s first marble mill, laying the foundation for a booming industry.
In 1884, Samuel Tate founded the Georgia Marble Company, leasing large tracts of marble-rich land throughout Pickens County. The arrival of the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad in 1883 transformed the local industry, allowing Georgia marble to reach national and international markets.
Iconic Landmarks
Built with Georgia Marble
Pickens County marble has been used in some of the most recognizable landmarks and monuments in the United States, including:
An Engineering Marvel
The U.S. Capitol Columns
One of the most remarkable uses of Georgia marble occurred during the replacement of the U.S. Capitol’s original sandstone columns. The new marble columns had to match the originals within one-tenth of an inch, a feat of precision engineering. To accomplish this, craftsmen used a massive 1,260-foot-long saw and a lathe built to the exact size of the columns, resulting in the iconic supports seen today.
Marble Heritage
At Home in Pickens County
Locally, marble heritage is showcased at the historic Tate House in Tate, Georgia. This elegant residence features four 22-foot marble columns, marble balustrades, and fountains designed by Georgia Marble Company architect J. B. Hill. The Tate House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and the Georgia Marble Company and Tate Historic District followed in 2005. In 2026, the historic Tate House landed a feature for their 100th Anniversary with Architectural Digest!
Visit the
Georgia Marble museum
Today, visitors can explore this remarkable legacy at the Georgia Marble Museum, located at 500 Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Jasper, Georgia. The museum offers exhibits, artifacts, and stories that bring Pickens County’s marble history to life.
To learn more about Pickens County Marble, visit our Marble Museum located a:
500 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Jasper, GA 30143.
Open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm.
Georgia marble isn’t just found in monuments - it’s also an essential ingredient in toothpaste used every morning around the world.
