News Release

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park’s Illinois Monument Vandalized

Date: July 9, 2021
Contact: Marjorie Thomas, 770-427-4686

National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers at Kennesaw Mountain National 
Battlefield Park are investigating recent vandalism at the park. The damage, reported earlier this morning by park staff and volunteers, includes the defacement to the park’s largest monument, the Illinois Monument, along with two other sites in the Cheatham Hill area. Additional acts of vandalism include the destruction of American flags at both the Monument and the grave site of the unknown soldier. The incident is currently under investigation and no other details are available at this time.

The Illinois Monument, erected by Union veterans in memory of their comrades, is the largest monument in the park, and was dedicated in 1914. The grave site dedicated to the unknown soldier dates to the Civilian Conservation Corps days.

Graffiti is vandalism and is extremely difficult to remove. Repair of vandalized sites, if possible, is costly and time consuming, and often cannot restore the site to its former condition. These acts are also illegal.

Additionally, defacing any part of the national park or other public land you visit hurts and degrades the experience of other visitors. It is described as an act of cultural violence when perpetrated against such sites as historic structures and other places that existed before their designation as park sites.

You can help protect our treasured public lands. If you see something suspicious in any national parklocation, stay safe and tell us about it. 

Investigators are looking for additional information from anyone who may have observed activity leading to the vandalism. Anyone with information that could aid this investigation is asked to contact investigators through the following means: NOTE: Use is restricted to investigative tips ONLY and should not be used to offer general comments or opinions.

CALL or TEXT the Tip Line 888-653-0009
ONLINE form go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
EMAIL [e-mail]
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1