Thomas Grady Cousins, a man celebrated for his accomplishments, kindness and good works, died July 29 at age 93. He was well known as a leader, and the man who shaped the skyline in Atlanta. But major media covering his life’s great achievements—no question, that’s a very long list—overlooked his most beautiful achievement: Big Canoe, the place many call home.
“I drove up there and when I saw Lake Sconti nestled in the bowl of mountains, I fell in love with the beauty and incredible peacefulness of the place. And I bought it,” he told Charlene Terrell in a 1990s’ interview for her book “Wolfscratch Wilderness.”
Although Cousins went on to develop projects that changed Atlanta’s skyline, those closest to Cousins saw his love for nature and lifelong affection for Big Canoe.
When he learned the land was available, Cousins visited the property and met with the Tates, then the owners, on the lower lake (Lake Sconti). As the story goes, Cousins looked across the lake and said it was the prettiest view he had ever seen. He found the land enchantingly beautiful with largely preserved old hardwood forests…