Elberton's "Dutchy" symbolizes local granite industry - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Elberton's "Dutchy" symbolizes local granite industry

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A monument, called Dutchy, was erected in Elberton's town square in the late 1800s. A monument, called Dutchy, was erected in Elberton's town square in the late 1800s.
ELBERTON, Ga. -

Elberton, Georgia is called the granite capital of the world, with many grave markers and countertops coming from the area. Elberton's granite industry kicked into high gear with the presentation of a giant monument that only stood for about two years.

The monument, affectionately named Dutchy, was erected in Elberton's town square in the late 1800s.

"When this guy was unveiled, I believe in 1898, the citizens who saw the unveiling were kind of upset," said Doy Johnson of the Elberton Granite Association.

Dutchy was a confederate monument to those who'd planned it, but the people in town thought it was a prank because they thought Dutchy looked like a northerner.

"His face is kind of round, like a Pennsylvania Dutchman," said Johnson.
    
Dutchy stood for two years until a group of citizens jerked him down, and buried him. A new confederate statue went up in his place.

The statue remained buried for more than eight decades until it was recovered in 1982. The statue was taken to a carwash to be cleaned before being placed in the Elberton Granite Museum and Exhibit.

Along with seeing Dutchy, you can learn all about the history of the region's granite empire. It's open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and it's free.

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