The breathtaking geological wonder known as Stone Mountain has enchanted people since the age of the Paleo-Indians. Today, Stone Mountain Park annually attracts four million visitors from around the world. Hiking trails showcase rugged granite outcrops with hardy mountain plants, such as endearing yellow daisies. Majestic red-tailed hawks soar overhead. A storied past comes to life through an engaging park quarry exhibit, a historic railroad experience and an epic Confederate Memorial carving envisioned by Gutzon Borglum of Mount Rushmore fame. Writing during the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, authors Paul Hudson and Lora Mirza of Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta present with verve this illustrated multicultural history of a legendary landmark.

Paul Hudson and Lora Mirza are faculty members at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta, Georgia. He teaches history and is also a monthly columnist for six papers in metro Atlanta published by Hometown News. She teaches public services in libraries and is a research librarian and photographer, with a background in publishing. Paul served on the board of the local DeKalb History Center, and Lora is on the editorial board of the Georgia Library Quarterly. Paul frequently hikes at Stone Mountain. Lora and her husband, Usman, took their now grown children, Taric and Adam, to outings at Stone Mountain Park for years and continue to take many international visitors to the park. Both Paul and Lora buy their annual Stone Mountain Park unlimited entrance passes every year.