Discover GA's NPS Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield - The Atlanta Campaign started here. It was a hot and clear Monday, June 27, 1864, when some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred here. Preserved are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments. Interpreted here are the historic events where over 5,350 soldiers were killed in the battle fought here from 6/19 - 7/2/1864.
History & Culture
The name Kennesaw is derived from the Cherokee Indian "Gah-nee-sah" meaning cemetery or burial ground.
Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,923 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman's army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston's 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: 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 Battlefield 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 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 2,923 acre Battlefield includes the site of some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. The Battlefield was set aside as an important cultural property dedicated to public inspiration and interpretation of the significant historic events that occurred here.
Things to Do
Take a hike, watch the wildlife, take a picture or watch a living history demonstration. So much to do and so much time to enjoy!
Outdoor Activities - During the week take a drive, or on weekends take our shuttle bus, to the mountain top; drive to Cheatham Hill (the main battlefield) then to Kolb Farm; picnic in designated areas; hike some of the 18 miles of our maintained interpretive trails; bring your binoculars and go birdwatching or your camera and capture a moment. Check out the bike trails.
Indoor Activities
View an 18 minute movie on the Atlanta Campaign and Battle of Kennesaw. The orientation film is captioned and is operable on every showing. If you are attending a program and require special needs, such as a sign language interpreter, please contact the visitor center at
770-427-4686 x0 prior to the day of the event, and we will make necessary arrangements.
Visit our museum which includes many artifacts which have never been on display before. On loan display from a private individual, is a Henry repeating rifle which probably belonged to a soldier in the 66th Illinois Regiment at Kennesaw Mountain. In addition, 2 rare GA made weapons, a Cook and Brother carbine and a Rigdon and Ansley revolver, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. These exhibits not only tell the military story, but also the civilian, medical and communication aspects of the Atlanta Campaign.
Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger book and get involved in what they're seeing at the Battlefield while parents browse the bookstore and take home a little of Kennesaw Mountain.
Educational Opportunities - Great Activities for Teachers Plan A Field Trip
Is it that time and your students just aren't grasping the particulars of the Civil War? Why not a field trip? Watch the 18 minute orientation film, tour the Battlefield and upon availability, a ranger led talk may be given. We ask that groups be no larger than 50 students and there should be one adult for every 10 children. Contact Benita Duling at 770-427-4686 x248.
We're always happy to share our resources and our knowledge with teachers and students. Make sure to call ahead and reserve a date and time to bring your class to visit. This will give us the opportunity to arrange a day that will be educational and enjoyable for your entire group.
Traveling Trunks
TEACHERS--Are you interested in taking a piece of history to your classroom? Traveling trunks are available for your use. Each trunk includes both a Union and a Confederate uniform for young men to try on; 2 dresses for the young ladies and the accessories that a soldier would have possessed during the Civil War. In addition, you will have a teacher's manual helping to guide you through the program as well as a video and an audio tape of Civil War music.
A $50 refundable deposit is required. Due to high demand, they may only be issued for 1 week unless prior arrangements are made. For more information contact Benita Duling at 770-427-4686 x248. We're sorry but the trunks are only available locally.
Become a Jr. Ranger
Remember your trip to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield for years to come. Try the The Junior Ranger Program and earn a badge, walk some of the 18 miles of interpretive trails. Watching the artillery demonstrations are always a favorite during the summer months. Scouts can earn patches by hiking the trails or conducting a service project.
Purchase a Jr. Ranger booklet for only $3 in the bookstore and you're ready to go. After completing the activities in the Junior Ranger book, you will receive a Junior Ranger badge and have a National Park Ranger sign and present a certificate to our newest Jr. Ranger. For more information contact the visitor center at 770-427-4686.
Accessability
The visitor center is fully accessible including auditorium, exhibits, phone, water fountain and restrooms. Due to the nature of the historic terrain, trails have remained natural and have not been altered. The mountain road is paved and may be accessed by wheelchair or stroller. Our shuttle bus is ADA approved and can accommodate those with special needs.
We are a day use only Battlefield, open from dawn to dusk. All gated lots have posted hours. Please refer to them before parking. Any vehicles left at the Battlefield after the posted closing time are subject to being ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. If your car is disabled and you must leave it over night, PLEASE LEAVE A NOTE EITHER ON THE DASHBOARD OR ON THE WINDSHIELD so your vehicle will not be removed. Keep in mind, neither Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield nor the federal government is responsible for any damage that may be incurred to your vehicle or it's contents while visiting the Battlefield.
Daily Battlefield hours: Visitor Center building: 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri; 8:30am-6:00pm Sat-Sun Visitor Center lot and battlefield grounds: 7:30am- 8:00pm Mountain Road: 8:30am-7:30pm {Monday-Friday only, excluding major holidays and weather permitting} Cheatham Hill Battlefield grounds: 8:00am-7:30pm Visitor Center Building: Open daily from 8:30 am-5 pm. On weekends during daylight savings time, 8:30 am-6 pm.
The building is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Battlefield grounds and all facilities are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Fees & Reservations
Parking and Entrance Fees: Free Visiting on the weekend:
The mountain road is closed every weekend and on major holidays. We offer a shuttle bus that will provide transportation to the top of the mountain.
Adults 12 and over: $2 - Children 6-11: $1 - Under 6: Free National Park Pass
Park passes do not apply to the shuttle bus. Offers holder ONLY, 50% off of shuttle bus ticket.
Directions to Kennesaw Mountain National Park
From I-75 North - To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.
Interesting Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Facts
Kennesaw Mountain was a physical barrier standing between a large Federal force and an important Confederate railroad and manufacturing center. The battle played an important role in a complicated national drama of bitter military combat and politics.
Nearly twenty buildings, including dwellings, churches and mills existed within the present battlefield boundary in 1864. Only the Kolb house, which has been rehabilitated to represent its historic exterior appearance, survives.
Confederate armies were usually named for states or regions where they campaigned, while union armies were named after major rivers.
In the spring and summer of 1864, some of the most important events to effect the outcome of the Civil War occurred in North Georgia. Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield commemorates these events, as well as preserving the battleground of Kennesaw Mountain. The Mountain's history preceeds the Civil War.
During the War Between the States, it is estimated that less than 20% of the battle casualties were caused by artillery. During the 2-week battle at Kennesaw Mountain, there were almost constant artillery duels. Little damage was actually done, except at close range with a canister.
Georgia Civil War Battles
