Kennesaw Mountain facts for kids

Kennesaw Mountain is a famous ridge located between Marietta and Kennesaw, Georgia in the United States. Its highest point reaches an elevation of 1,808 feet (551 m). This makes it the highest natural spot in the urban and suburban parts of the metro Atlanta region. In comparison, the surrounding terrain stands at roughly 1,000 feet above sea level.

The ridge has two main peaks for visitors to explore:

• "Big Kennesaw", which has a parking area and a high scenic overlook.
• Little Kennesaw Mountain, which offers outdoor hiking paths along an exciting nature trail.

History of Kennesaw Mountain

Long ago, ancient American Indians known as mound builders lived in this area from around 900 to 1700 AD. Their later family relatives, the Creek people, lived here until another Native group called the Cherokee moved into the region. During the busy Georgia Gold Rush, the United States government made Native Americans leave their lands. They traveled westward along a difficult journey known as the Trail of Tears to reach the Oklahoma Territory.

In December 1832, leaders created Cobb County, which includes the mountain today. Before that time, the land belonged to Cherokee "county", an area that covered much of northwest Georgia.

Cannon on Kennesaw Mountain in recreated artillery position.

During the American Civil War, this ridge became very important. It was the central site of the famous Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in the summer of 1864. This clash was part of the larger Atlanta campaign. Union Army leader General William Tecumseh Sherman led soldiers against the Confederate Army of Tennessee, which was led by General Joseph E. Johnston. General Sherman could not push his opponents off the ridge during the battle. Even so, he marched around the high ground and captured the city of Atlanta. Later, he started his famous March to the Sea toward the coast.

Many places and people took their names from this historic ground. A famous federal judge named Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who became the first leader of Major League Baseball, was named for the ridge. His father had served in the battle. The nearby settlement originally called Big Shanty changed its name to Kennesaw, although the ridge itself sits in an area outside town borders. Local students attend Kennesaw Mountain High School, which also serves as a proud namesake.

In 1935, the government established the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to protect this green space. Before it became a national park, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps used the land as a work camp.

Wildlife on Kennesaw Mountain

Many wild animals find safety and food on the slopes. Kennesaw Mountain is an important resting stop during seasonal migrations of colorful songbirds. Birdwatchers come to see over 25 species of small warblers feeding among the trees.

Visitors can spot the secretive worm-eating warbler along the leafy ground, as well as the bright yellow warbler in sunny patches. In the branches above, birders look for the yellow-throated warbler, the active Nashville warbler, and the deep blue black-throated blue warbler. With a bit of luck, sharp eyes might spot the rare cerulean warbler resting before its long flight south.

Visiting the Park

Antenna Tower at Kennesaw Mountain

The national park provides fun learning experiences for families, school groups, and young explorers. At the base of the ridge, the visitor center features an educational interpretive center and a museum. Outdoor self-guided tour paths explain General Sherman's movements during his historic March to the Sea.

Getting to the top is simple for travelers. On every regular weekday, visitors can drive a personal car up the mountain road. During the busy weekend, park buses carry guests up to keep traffic low. If bad winter weather arrives, park rangers close the road because there is no local snow removal equipment.

Near the peak, several tall antennas serve the U.S. government and the state government of Georgia. Originally, workers placed equipment on four wooden poles. Around 2005, engineers replaced them with a single metal monopole. Sturdy metal huts hold each radio transmitter and other communications gear. Workers painted these buildings green and brown as camouflage so they blend into the forest. Heavy underground power lines keep the summit neat, and an electrical generator stands ready to give backup power during an unexpected power failure.

This mountain remains a beloved symbol for the local community. Nearby Kennesaw State University uses the mountain peaks in its school emblem. In town, the health center Kennestone Hospital combines names from this ridge and the famous Stone Mountain. In 2016, musician Adam Young wrote an instrumental song named after this grand hill.

Images for kids

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  Panoramic view from the summit of Kennesaw Mountain

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  Another panoramic view