Rock Man still influences Ball Ground

Metro Atlanta

Rock Man still influences Ball Ground

A look at the City of Ball Ground, two years after Oscar "Rock Man" Robertson's death.

Oscar Robertson was probably Ball Ground's most famous resident. Known as "Rock Man," Robertson owned about 1,000 acres in Cherokee county, worth around $4 million.

Robertson, who was 81 when he died two years ago, made his fortune -- he estimated his worth at $62 million -- buying and selling land in North Georgia.

But it was Robertson's rocks that got everyone's attention.

Robertson filled eight buildings, in downtown Ball Ground, with arrowheads, gems and minerals.

Rock hounds traveled from as far away as Europe to see Robertson's collection. They still visit, even though the doors are locked. City officials hope to create a museum that would house the rocks.

And in a one-stoplight town, about 50 miles north of Atlanta, Robertson and his rocks became the unofficial face of Ball Ground's unorganized anti-development movement.

Robertson spent most of his days parked downtown in his red pickup, wearing a baseball cap and eyeing gawkers outside his storefronts.

Although he has been dead for two years, his rocks and the buildings he owned still take up half of downtown. The city is pursuing a redevelopment plan that features a rock museum.

Despite a contentious relationship, Ball Ground officials knew Roberton's rocks brought tourists to their town. One City Council member had bumper stickers printed that read "Ball Ground Rocks."

Robertson left behind two daughters and a complicated estate.

Robertson died in 2005, but his legacy, and his rocks, remain.

While there is some resistance, Robertson's death has made it much easier for Ball Ground officials to pursue an ambitious redevelopment plan.

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Oscar Robertson was probably Ball Ground's most famous resident. Known as "Rock Man," Robertson owned about 1,000 acres in Cherokee county, worth around $4 million.

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