About Kennesaw
The history of Kennesaw dates back to the 1830s when the Georgia Legislature authorized the construction of a rail line through Cobb County. Known as the Western and Atlantic Railroad, 20 miles of track was in operation from Terminus (Atlanta) to Cartersville by 1846. Several small towns were founded along the railroad including Vinings, Smyrna, Acworth and Big Shanty.
The abundance of water and high ground adjacent to the railroad led to the construction of worker's shanties near the present day Kennesaw. This area became known as the "big grade to the shanties" and was later shortened to "Big Shanty Grade". The high point of the railroad between the Chattahoochee River and the Etowah is the present day crossing in Kennesaw. In the late 1850s a plot of land was acquired by the Railroad "for the purpose of erecting a Depot and an eating house for the convenience of the traveling public." This eating place became the famous Lacy House and was operated by Mr. and Mrs. George Lacy.
In 1861, Camp McDonald, a training camp for soldiers, was established near Big Shanty. Camp McDonald was named for former Governor Charles C. McDonald who was a resident of Marietta. Big Shanty was an ideal location for a training camp. There was fresh water available and the railroad furnished a convenient mode of transportation for recruits and supplies. There were no permanent structures, and the men lived in tents. General William Phillips of the Georgia Militia was the commander of the camp. The parade ground was located approximately where Highway 41 crosses Kennesaw Due West Road. On July 31, 1861 a Grand Review of the troops was held in the town and attracted a very large crowd. Such a crowd would not be back in the town until one hundred years later when the General returned to Kennesaw.
Attractions
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Take a trip back in time to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia. With three impressive permanent collections and a membership in the prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations Program, the Museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers during the Civil War; a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century locomotive factory; and an exciting depiction of the Civil War's Great Locomotive Chase.
A special gallery features traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) as well as other sources and changes every few months, so visit often.
Smith-Gilbert Arboretum
In the fall of 2004, Kennesaw voters approved a bond for the acquisition of 13-acres of property owned by Dr. Robert Gilbert. The property includes a restored historic home, a collection of notable contemporary sculptures and a vast variety of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. It is set in a delightful natural landscape. Currently under development as a public garden, the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum will make a significant contribution to the culture, education and tourism of the City of Kennesaw, Cobb County and the metropolitan Atlanta area.
While the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum is not yet open to the public on a regular basis, the City of Kennesaw is slowly transitioning the property from a private garden to a public facility. Several programs and guided tours are offered to the public throughout the year.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
At the 2,888 acre Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, hiking and bicycling enthusiasts enjoy over 17 miles of trails. The area is a popular picnic destination, and a haven for birdwatchers, due to its large variety of migratory species. Wildflowers are abundant, and the view of the Atlanta skyline from the top of the Mountain is most impressive.
*Information provided from City of Kennesaw's web site.
