History & Culture

On February 18, 1917, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Site was established under the War Department under President Woodrow Wilson. On June 26, 1935, it transferred from the War Department to the National Park Service under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was born!

With over 100 years of recognition as an important location in our country, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves and interprets several messages for our visitors: Civil War: Atlanta Campaign; Civil War Memorial; Civil War and Civil Rights; The People of Kennesaw Mountain; and Preservation of this amazing location.

 

Civil War: The Atlanta Campaign

The strategy and tactic used at Kennesaw Mountain and throughout the Atlanta Campaign led to the final outcome of the Civil War. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was some of the heaviest fighting throughout the entire Atlanta Campaign. Learn about the Civil War army structure and the people who were directly involved in the fighting. Discover what happened at the beginning when southern states began to secede from the Union and then towards the end, where the armies fought through Georgia. Be sure to watch videos of rangers explaining the battles. Coming to the park? Check out ranger-led talks and living history events.

 

Civil War Memorial

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park serves as a memorial to the war-weary soldiers and civilians caught up in the conflict. The park preserves three monuments, four stone markers for individuals, and the entire battlefield where many people fought bravely for their cause. Check out the Veteran's History Project which outlines many other brave men and women who fought for our country throughout history.

 

Civil War and Civil Rights

The Civil War was a significant event that led towards Civil Rights for many groups of people, especially for those who were enslaved. Check out the Civil War to Civil Rights Project which highlights four individuals who lived through the historical civil rights era in the south. Be sure to also read about the African Americans who were making a stand here in Kennesaw, Georgia, as well as an important research report on African American Attitudes toward the Civil War. Finally, we can't forget women and their struggle towards independence. Read about women's fight to gain educational, economic, and social advancement.

 

The People of Kennesaw Mountain

The story of Kennesaw Mountain changes with the interaction of the people, the mountain itself, and its surrounding landscapes. Since 1000 B.C, Kennesaw Mountain was inhabited by the Cherokee's ancestors. Read about their culture and language, how it changed when Europeans arrived, and why they were forced out of their homeland.

 

Preservation

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves a battlefield hallowed by the sacrafice of more than 5,000 Americans. Learn how the landscape has changed over time by the battles that were fought, the gold that was explored, and the people who built homes. Learn about the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Want to leave your own legacy? Check out ways you can help us by volunteering in your park!