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The name Kennesaw is derived from the Cherokee Indian "Gah-nee-sah"
meaning cemetery or burial ground. Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,888
acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the
Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 18, 1864 until July
2, 1864. Shermans army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses.
Johnstons army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed,
wounded and captured during the Campaign. There are 3 battlefield areas
at the park: In front of the Visitor Center, off Burnt Hickory Road and
the main site is located at Cheatham Hill [then commonly known as the Dead
Angle]. The visitor center provides introductory information about the park
and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking
trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various
interpretive signs. There are 3 monuments representing states who fought
here. Kennesaw Mountain is 1808 feet above sea level. It is approximately
a 700 foot incline from the Visitor Center to the mountain's summit. The
hike up is approximately 1.4 miles on the road and 1.2 mile up the trail.
PLEASE help us preserve this park by TAKING ONLY PICTURES AND LEAVING ONLY
FOOTPRINTS.
The Mission of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield: Kennesaw Mountain
National Battlefield Park was authorized for protection by the War Department
in 1917 and was transferred to the Department of the Interior as a unit
of the National Park System in 1933. The 2,888 acre park includes the site
of some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War.
The park was set aside as an important cultural property dedicated to public
inspiration and interpretation of the significant historic events that occurred
here. |
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