Hall County's mythical Goat Rock will become a real object this year just in time for the 2022 midterm elections.
According to a press release from the county, the Goat Rock was a myth intended for those who did not fare well in elections.
"Goat Rock has been a long-standing legend of Hall County since the early 1960s, a place where the losers of elections would go to drown their sorrows," Sammy Smith, Gainesville Board of Education member said. "By securing a physical Goat Rock, Hall County residents and visitors alike can enjoy a piece of local lore."
Smith reportedly noticed several large rocks during the construction of the Gainesville Middle School West Campus and contacted the Hall County Board of Commissioners about making one of them the real Goat Rock.
It will be located on the Highlands to Islands trail near A Avenue and 1st Street in Chicopee Village. Hall County will host a small public ceremony to unveil the Goat Rock on election day, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. Guests can park along A Avenue.
“It’s exciting when citizens participate in the creation of our local landscape, especially with a project like this, as so many Hall County residents can recall hearing the stories about Goat Rock in their youth,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Higgins said.
“Although the actual location of Goat Rock in Hall County was never known, we feel its placement on the Highlands to Islands trail is appropriate and will provide ample opportunity for visitors (and losing electors) to enjoy its presence,” District 4 Commissioner Jeff Stowe said.
