What Is Kennesaw Mountain National Military Park?
Kennesaw Mountain National Military Park preserves a Confederate bulwark that stalled General Sherman on his way to sacking Atlanta!
What Makes It Historical?
General Sherman set his sights on taking Atlanta from the Confederacy on May 7, 1864! Following the Western & Atlantic Railroad south from Chattanooga, the Union forces slowly pushed against the troops of General Joseph Johnston until they reached Georgia’s Allatoona Mountains in late May. Here, they fought back and forth for almost a whole rainy month!
By June 19, the Union side had pushed the Confederates back into Kennesaw Mountain, which had been layered with rifle pits dug by enslaved folks. General Sherman called for an attack on June 27th, which was a real uphill battle. After three hours of fighting swampy ground, dense foliage, and heavy fire from above, the Union had to withdraw and regroup!
Instead of attacking a mountain head-on, it made more sense to keep flanking (attacking from the sides). This tactic worked much better, as Union troops snuck across the Chattahoochee River to the left of the Confederate forces and surprised them! That forced General Johnston’s troops to withdraw from Kennesaw Mountain on July 2, giving the Union troops leave to continue their march toward Atlanta! This battle cost the Union 1,800 soldiers and the Confederates 800!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Kennesaw Mountain National Military Park!
- Donate to Kennesaw Mountain National Military Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr
Kennesaw, GA 30152
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, while the greater park is open from sunrise until sunset!
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