Downtown Decatur in DeKalb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Steatite Boulder

Photographed By Felch Dumas, June 30, 2008

1. Steatite Boulder Marker

Inscription.

This steatite boulder was found on the site of a prehistoric quarry along Soapstone Ridge 8 miles south of Decatur. It shows the methods of Indians in making stone bowls, with the first girdling of the stone to remove workable cores. It is estimated to be at least 3000 years old by archaeologists studying such remains in central and north Georgia. The soapstone quarry on River Road, DeKalb County, is the largest found by archaeologists in Georgia.

Erected 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 044-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list.

Location. 33° 46.526′ N, 84° 17.803′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Georgia, in DeKalb County. It is in Downtown Decatur. Marker is at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Ave and Clairemont Ave, on the left when traveling west on Ponce de Leon Ave. The marker is located under the magnolia tree at the sidewalk on Ponce de Leon Ave. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur GA 30030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Houston Mill Millstone (a few steps from this marker);

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DeKalb County (a few steps from this marker); Wheeler’s Cav. at Decatur (within shouting distance of this marker); During the Battle of Decatur (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Dekalb County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Garrard’s Cavalry Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stoneman Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian Trails of Dekalb County (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.

Regarding Steatite Boulder. The boulder is directly in front of the marker, exposed to the elements and the acid rain of the metro Atlanta area.

Steatite Boulder Marker and boulder image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Felch Dumas, June 30, 2008

2. Steatite Boulder Marker and boulder

Steatite Boulder - one side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Felch Dumas, June 30, 2008

3. Steatite Boulder - one side

Steatite Boulder -second side image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Felch Dumas, June 30, 2008

4. Steatite Boulder -second side

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2008, by Felch Dumas of Decatur, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,984 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 3, 2008, by Felch Dumas of Decatur, Georgia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.