35 Facts About Georgia Guidestones

What Are the Georgia Guidestones?

The Georgia Guidestones are a mysterious granite monument located in Elbert County, Georgia. Often referred to as "America's Stonehenge," these stones have sparked curiosity and controversy since their erection in 1980.

1. The monument consists of four large upright stones arranged in a cross pattern with a central stone and a capstone on top.

2. Each of the four upright stones weighs approximately 42,000 pounds.

3. The stones are inscribed with ten guidelines or principles in eight different languages: English, Spanish, Swahili, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.

4. The capstone features a shorter message in four ancient languages: Babylonian cuneiform, Classical Greek, Sanskrit, and Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Who Commissioned the Georgia Guidestones?

The origins of the Georgia Guidestones are shrouded in mystery, primarily due to the anonymity of the person who commissioned them.

5. A man using the pseudonym "R.C. Christian" approached the Elberton Granite Finishing Company to build the monument.

6. "R.C. Christian" claimed to represent "a small group of loyal Americans" who wanted to leave a message for future generations.

7. The true identity of "R.C. Christian" remains unknown to this day.

8. The Elberton Granite Finishing Company was initially skeptical but agreed to the project after a financial guarantee was provided.

The Ten Guidelines

The ten guidelines inscribed on the Georgia Guidestones have been the subject of much debate and interpretation.

9. The first guideline suggests maintaining humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.

10. Another guideline advises guiding reproduction wisely to improve fitness and diversity.

11. One principle calls for uniting humanity with a living new language.

12. The guidelines also emphasize protecting people and nations with fair laws and just courts.

13. They advocate for resolving external disputes in a world court.

14. The principles encourage avoiding petty laws and useless officials.

15. They suggest balancing personal rights with social duties.

16. Another guideline promotes truth, beauty, love, seeking harmony with the infinite.

17. The final principle advises not to be a cancer on the Earth and to leave room for nature.

Controversies and Conspiracies

The Georgia Guidestones have not been without their share of controversies and conspiracy theories.

18. Some believe the guidelines promote a New World Order or global government.

19. Others think the monument has ties to secret societies like the Freemasons or the Illuminati.

20. The suggestion to maintain a population under 500,000,000 has led to accusations of advocating for population control or eugenics.

21. Vandals have defaced the stones multiple times, often with graffiti condemning the guidelines.

22. Despite the controversies, the monument attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Astronomical Features

The Georgia Guidestones are not just a set of inscribed stones; they also serve as an astronomical calendar.

23. The central stone has a hole drilled through it, aligning with the North Star.

24. A slot cut into the capstone aligns with the sun's solstices and equinoxes.

25. The monument's design allows it to function as a sundial, marking the passage of time.

The Time Capsule

A time capsule is rumored to be buried beneath the Georgia Guidestones, adding another layer of mystery.

26. An inscription on the stones mentions a time capsule to be opened on a date that is left blank.

27. No one knows if the time capsule actually exists or what it might contain.

The Monument's Legacy

Despite the controversies, the Georgia Guidestones have left a lasting impact on those who visit and study them.

28. The monument has been featured in numerous documentaries, books, and articles.

29. It has inspired various works of fiction, including novels and films.

30. The stones have become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

31. The Georgia Guidestones have sparked debates on topics ranging from environmentalism to global governance.

32. They serve as a reminder of the power of anonymity and the enduring allure of mystery.

33. The monument's guidelines continue to provoke thought and discussion, even decades after their unveiling.

34. The Georgia Guidestones have been compared to other enigmatic structures like Stonehenge and the Easter Island statues.

35. Despite their mysterious origins, the stones stand as a testament to human curiosity and the quest for meaning.

The Last Word on Georgia Guidestones

The Georgia Guidestones stand as a mysterious monument shrouded in intrigue and speculation. Built in 1980, these granite slabs have sparked countless theories about their origins and purpose. Some see them as a guide for future generations, while others view them with suspicion. The inscriptions, written in multiple languages, offer guidelines on population control, environmental stewardship, and social harmony.

Despite the debates, the Guidestones continue to attract visitors from around the world. Their enigmatic nature ensures they remain a topic of conversation and curiosity. Whether you see them as a blueprint for a better world or a cryptic puzzle, the Georgia Guidestones undeniably leave a lasting impression. So, next time you find yourself in Elbert County, Georgia, take a moment to ponder the secrets these stones might hold.