Kendrick Smith: "House on Burnt Mountain" and Tate Mountain Estates

In the late 1920s, Colonel Samuel Tate, the industrialist and founder of the Georgia Marble Company, developed Tate Mountain Estates, an ambitious 2,200-acre summer resort overlooking Jasper, Georgia, on Burnt Mountain. Anchored by the stunning Connahaynee Lodge, located 3,300 feet above sea level, he created a pristine 65-acre lake, Lake Sequoyah, surrounded by a top-notch 18-hole golf course, a horseback riding ranch, and a swimming and tennis center. He also laid out more than 100 home lots.

The development, however, went bankrupt, the Lodge burned down, and the golf course fell into disrepair. Nevertheless, during the 1930s, a few adventurous families, mainly from Buckhead, bought and constructed homes around the lake, forming a unique community of writers, artists, musicians, and outdoors enthusiasts. Among those pioneers was Alex W. Smith, a well-known Buckhead attorney. Four generations later, the community thrives, remaining essentially unchanged and preserved in time.

Kendrick Smith, a fifth-generation Buckhead native, recently published a fictional novel titled House on Burnt Mountain. The story focuses on his grandfather’s iconic Tate home. Smith plans to explore the history and lore of the Tate community. He will also discuss his book and, upon request, make copies available and sign them.

This free event is open to everyone. Please register on the Buckhead Heritage website.