Kennesaw Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kennesaw Mountain |
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Kennesaw Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,808 ft (551 m) |
| Prominence | approx. 800 feet (250 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cobb County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Parent range | Appalachian Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Marietta |
Kennesaw Mountain is a mountain located in Georgia, United States. It sits between the cities of Marietta and Kennesaw. The top of the mountain is about 1,808 feet (551 meters) above sea level.
It is the highest point in the main metro Atlanta area. The land around the mountain is usually about 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level.
Kennesaw Mountain actually has two main peaks:
- Big Kennesaw: This is where you'll find a parking area and a great spot to see views.
- Little Kennesaw Mountain: This area has several walking trails and natural spaces. These trails connect the two mountains to the rest of the park.
History of Kennesaw Mountain
Kennesaw Mountain was once home to people known as the mound builders. They lived there from about 900 AD to 1700 AD. Their relatives, the Creek people, later lived in Georgia.
The Cherokee people then moved into the area. Sadly, the United States government forced the Cherokee to leave Georgia. They were made to walk a long, difficult journey called the Trail of Tears. This happened during the time of the Georgia Gold Rush.
In December 1832, Cobb County was created. Kennesaw Mountain is located in this county. Before that, it was part of a larger area called "Cherokee county."
Kennesaw Mountain was the site of an important battle during the American Civil War. This was the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in 1864. It was part of the Atlanta Campaign. Union forces, led by General William Tecumseh Sherman, attacked the Confederate Army. The Confederates were led by General Joseph E. Johnston.
A famous person, Federal judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, was named after this battle. He was the first commissioner of Major League Baseball. His father was hurt in the battle.
The nearby city of Kennesaw was originally called Big Shanty. It was renamed after the mountain following the war. Even though the city is named after it, the mountain is actually outside the city limits. Kennesaw Mountain High School also gets its name from the mountain.
The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was created on June 26, 1935. This park helps protect the history of the area.
Exploring Kennesaw Mountain
At the bottom of the mountain, you'll find the park entrance. Here, there's a special interpretive center and a museum. These places help visitors learn about the Civil War. You can also find many self-guided trails that explain General Sherman's "March to the Sea."
You can drive your car to the top of the mountain on weekdays. On weekends, only park buses can go up. These buses offer rides to visitors. The road is closed during and after winter weather because snow is not removed.
Kennesaw Mountain is also a very important spot for many migrating birds. These birds stop here during their long journeys. More than 25 types of warblers have been seen here. This includes the rare cerulean warbler.
There are a few small radio antennas at the top of the mountain. These belong to the U.S. government and the state of Georgia. They are painted green or brown to help them blend in with the trees.
The unique shape of Kennesaw Mountain's two peaks is part of the logo for nearby Kennesaw State University. Also, Marietta's Kennestone Hospital got its name from Kennesaw Mountain and another mountain called Stone Mountain.
In 2016, a musician named Adam Young, also known as Owl City, released an album. One of the songs on this album was called "Kennesaw Mountain."
Images for kids
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Panoramic View from the Summit of Kennesaw Mountain
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Another Panoramic View from the Summit of Kennesaw Mountain
