DISCOVER DOWNTOWN

Originally named Rock Market, the City was chartered in August 1872 and later became Rockmart, the only town with that name. Some 20 years before the towns naming, a slate quarry was opened, and Welsh miners were brought to the area because of their expertise in mining slate. The Welsh left a strong heritage in mining and business. The Rockmart Slate Corporation is still in operation, mining environmental slate and producing a range of slate products. Next came the Railroad and local landowner and Director of the Railroad, Seaborn Jones gave the right of way land to run tracks. Mr. Jones had the land surveyed and laid off city lots and streets. He also deeded land to five churches, several built of slate and still standing. The Town Square and City Park, along with Rose Hill Cemetery, where he is buried were also donated. Between the Slate rock, the railroad and generosity, there’s no question the City of Rockmart was built on a solid foundation.