Here’s a little secret that not many people are aware of: there are volcanos that exist in the North Georgia Mountains. Now wait, before you start scoffing or disbelieving completely, you have to read on and see the confirmed proof for yourself. Last year, an earthquake struck the area near Pigeon Mountain, Georgia, which prompted archaeologists, geologists, and professors to take a closer look at the mountain range, which never had needed to be done before. What they found…was truly astonishing.

The Pigeon Mountain Range in Northern Georgia experienced a tremor last year, which ended up being a rare M2.5 earthquake.

Flickr Stephen Rahn The earthquake was so strange, it prompted scientists, geologists, and professors to take a closer look at the area.

It turns out that the area we know as Pigeon Mountain is actually a volcanic range, complete with a dormant volcano, a few extinct volcanoes, and an interesting caldera.

Flickr Stephen Rahn The dormant volcano actually last erupted in 1857, and has been remaining still ever since.

The New York Times wrote about the eruption on June 20, 1857, noting that residents of the area experienced the mountain become violently agitated.

Flickr Neil Turner There was also witness to a sulphuric acid smell, smoke billowing from the top of the mountain, and ash raining down from the sky.

When you take a closer look at the area, you can see for yourself that the geological shape differs from most other regions in Georgia.

Google Earth Flat Rock Point on Pigeon Mountain being the most distinguished in elevation and size.

We recreated the map to showcase the volcanic range in entirety, pointing out the dormant volcano, extinct volcanoes, and even the collapsed caldera which is essentially a large volcanic basin.

Google Earth Rumor has it that Pigeon Mountain is actually hollow, and even said to contain diamonds in some of the volcanic tubes underground.

What do you think about this tidbit of Georgia history? Do you have more information to share about this volcanic chain in the state? We’d love to hear from you.

Flickr Stephen Rahn

The earthquake was so strange, it prompted scientists, geologists, and professors to take a closer look at the area.

The dormant volcano actually last erupted in 1857, and has been remaining still ever since.

Flickr Neil Turner

There was also witness to a sulphuric acid smell, smoke billowing from the top of the mountain, and ash raining down from the sky.

Google Earth

Flat Rock Point on Pigeon Mountain being the most distinguished in elevation and size.

Rumor has it that Pigeon Mountain is actually hollow, and even said to contain diamonds in some of the volcanic tubes underground.

Otherwise, if you are interested in more Georgia history, then check out The Story Behind This Natural Spring In Georgia Is Truly Shocking.

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