Welcome to the Georgia State Monument at Kennesaw Mountain, a place where the echoes of the past still resonate with the tales of bravery and strategy from the Civil War. Situated in Marietta, Georgia, this site preserves a significant battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. This campaign was a critical part of the Union’s efforts to seize Atlanta, a major hub for the Confederacy.
The name ‘Kennesaw’ is derived from the Cherokee word ‘Gah-nee-sah,’ meaning ‘cemetery’ or burial ground, foreshadowing the intense battle that would unfold here. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place from June 18 to July 2, 1864, with Union General William Tecumseh Sherman clashing against Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. Sherman’s forces, numbering 100,000 men, attempted to break Johnston’s 50,000-strong defensive line. Despite the Union’s numerical advantage, the Confederates managed to hold their ground, marking the battle as a tactical victory for the South, although strategically, they continued to retreat towards Atlanta.
Among the notable figures linked to this battle is General Sherman, whose name is forever associated with his famous ‘March to the Sea’ that followed later that year. His tactics and movements here were part of the grand strategy to cripple the Confederate war effort by seizing one of its crucial logistical hubs.
Over time, Kennesaw Mountain has evolved from a site of conflict to a place of reflection and learning. Established as a National Battlefield Site in 1917 and later designated as a National Military Park, it covers nearly 3,000 acres, offering visitors a chance to walk the trails and see the earthworks and cannon emplacements that tell the story of those fateful days.
Today, visitors can explore the site’s many trails, view artifacts at the Visitor Center, and take in the panoramic views from the mountain’s summit. Each step on these grounds is a step back in history, bringing to life the stories of soldiers who fought bravely for their beliefs, and the broader context of a nation divided in war.
The Georgia State Monument stands as a reminder of the resilience and resolve of those who fought here, and it invites us to reflect on the larger story of the Civil War, its causes, and its consequences. As you explore this historic site, imagine the strategic decisions, the sounds of battle, and the quiet moments of reflection that have made Kennesaw Mountain a place of national heritage.
