The City That Stone Built
Wander through Lithonia, which arose as a bustling quarry town and today retains its historic character.
A Hub
Lithonia arose in the late 19th century, serving as a hub for the booming granite industry. Arabia Mountain’s quarried stone, called “Tidal Grey”, was highly valued for its density, strength and signature “swirl” pattern. This Tiday Grey granite was sent from Lithonia to build structures around the country, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. After the Civil War, whites, Blacks, and European immigrants moved to Lithonia to work in the area’s bustling quarries. The Lithonia National Historic District is filled with buildings from this time period, many made from local granite.
Pocket Park
You can start your tour of Lithonia at the Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden, located at 2564 Wiggins Street. This pocket park includes the Historical Gateway to the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and is located next to the historic Lithonia Woman’s Club.