The Georgia Marble Company was founded in 1884 by Samuel Tate. Tate leased out all the land in Pickens County, Georgia, which contained rich Georgia marble. Pickens County has a vein of marble 5 to 7 mi long, a half mile wide, and up to 2000 ft deep.

Company history

In the 1830s Henry Fitzsimmons established the first marble quarry in Pickens County, which was part of the Murphy Marble Belt. In 1884, Samuel Tate founded the Georgia Marble Company, and leased out the land for others to use. In 1905 Colonel Sam Tate partnered with Dawson Mathias Caldwell and the two became co-presidents and general managers of the company. The business grew rapidly, until concrete began to replace marble in buildings. In 1969, with business falling, the company was purchased by Jim Walter Corporation. Over the next few decades it changed hands several times, passing through ownership by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Company, Hillsborough Holding Corporation, First Chicago Corporation and IMERYS.

Flood

On January 7, 1946, the Etowah River in nearby Cherokee County reached a depth of 26.7 ft, and flooded the county including the Georgia Marble Company plant, which was covered with one foot of water.

Acquisition

In 2003, the dimension stone division of Georgia Marble Company was acquired by Polycor.

Notable commissions

Marble

The company's mines contain some of the best quality marble, and almost every type of marble found in the USA. The marble, when exposed to the weather tends to become less durable from acid rain. The mine is plentiful and every variety with every size is extractable with machinery, and transported by railroad. Types of marble include crystallized marble, and white sanctuary marble ranging in a variety of colors.

Historic district

Numerous company buildings and Tate community structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Georgia Marble Company and Tate Historic District.