The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was fought during the Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War. It was the most significant frontal assault launched by Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman against the Confederate Army of Tennessee under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, ending in a tactical defeat for the Union forces. Strategically, however, the battle failed to deliver the result that the Confederacy desperately needed—namely a halt to Sherman’s advance on Atlanta.
A small portion of Kennesaw Mountain as seen from the highway
Today, Kennesaw Mountain is meticulously managed by the NPS (National Park Service). People come, not only to visit the museum and bookstore, but to walk and relax and enjoy the miles and miles of hiking trails at the mountain.
One of the many trails at Kennesaw Mountain
I’ve been walking these trails since moving to Kennesaw in the early 1970’s. I find there’s nothing better to clear one’s mind than to walk these grounds and trails and give thought to all the young men who died here while fighting for their beliefs.
More of the many trails
THE CCC COMES TO KENNESAW
From 1938 to early 1942, Kennesaw Mountain was home to one of the more than 4000 CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camps setup in the 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These camps were introduced by President Franklin Roosevelt as part of his “New Deal.” The CCC was a relief program that provided work, and hope’s answer, to young men of unemployed families.
Not much of the original camp still exists, only the foundations of the headquarters, bath house, and a portion of the mess hall foundation. A portion of the entrance to the education building is still visible as well. All CCC camps included barracks, a mess hall, bath house, education hall, infirmary and outbuildings such as tool sheds.
Following are some photos I took recently on one of my hikes. This will give you somewhat of an idea of the CCC Camps and trails.
Welcome – Inside Kennesaw Mountain where CCC Camp was located
Flag Raising at Camp Brumby
Field where Barracks were located
Barracks location. Very similar to barracks I lived in while in US Air Force Basic Training
Forge location
Oil house location
Food storage location
Bath house location
A Grim and silent Kennesaw
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Until next time…
