Once again, Cobb County Georgia will celebrate its rich Civil War history. The public is invited to take a journey back in history this weekend at the anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Free demonstrations of Civil War-related activities will be conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today and Sunday at the field in front of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park's visitor center, at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive in Kennesaw. The center's information desk will have the exact locations for each of the different demonstrations.
Infantry, artillery and Beardslee Telegraph demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. An ongoing medical demonstration in the Union camp area will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Confederate artillery camp and the Union infantry camp will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend.
Similar to recent weather, Monday, June 27, 1864, was a swelteringly hot and clear day, according to the park. Some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred at Kennesaw Mountain.
Union Gen. William T. Sherman was moving toward capturing the city of Atlanta, but Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was on a mission to prevent him from doing so. The frontal assault launched by Sherman resulted in many casualties on the battlefield.
The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain is where more than 5,350 soldiers were killed between June 19, 1864 and July 2, 1864, according to the park. The main Union attack occurred on June 27, 1864.
Preserved at the park are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments.
It involved 160,000 men between the two sides; roughly 100,000 on the northern side and 63,000 on the Confederate. Probably at some place along the Kennesaw line, every day in those two weeks, somebody was fighting somewhere. But the main attempt to break through the Confederate line on the 27th (was) at two sites: what is now called Cheatham Hill and Pigeon Hill.
The battle ended with mix results for each side. But victory favored the Union Army, which eventually continued onward to Atlanta and ultimately to Savannah, leaving destruction in its wake. In mid- July, Johnston was relieved of his command. The South won the attack, but the North won the position.
Because the park is federal property, traditional Civil War reenactments with the firing of firearms is prohibited. Nonetheless, the park promises to put on interesting and family-friendly demonstrations for all to enjoy during the weekend.
Come join the celebration and learn about our great Civil War that was fought right here in Georgia!
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