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Written by: E. George
Published June 26, 2025 @ 3:50 PM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A recent land acquisition at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is set to enhance preservation efforts and safeguard historically significant landscapes from future development.
The Trust for Public Land finalized the purchase of a 21.46-acre property north of Burnt Hickory Road, adding to the protected expanse of the Civil War-era battlefield in Cobb County. The newly acquired site, now under the management of the National Park Service, brings additional natural and historical value to the more than 2,900-acre national park.
Once at risk of being converted into residential housing, the property will instead be integrated into the park’s broader goals of conservation, education, and public recreation. The parcel includes forested land and a small pond, which can serve as an essential water source in regional wildfire response efforts. In past incidents, helicopters have utilized the pond and ones similar for firefighting operations, underscoring the site’s strategic importance.
The land is also believed to contain undiscovered Civil War-era archaeological features, making its protection vital to preserving potential historical artifacts beneath the surface. By connecting previously fragmented portions of the park, the acquisition helps maintain the integrity of the landscape and improves accessibility for visitors.
The purchase was supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the National Park Foundation, continuing a multi-decade collaboration to expand and protect the park’s footprint. This transaction marks the fourth time The Trust for Public Land has contributed to the park’s growth, with earlier acquisitions having occurred in the early 2000s, 2008, and 2013. Past additions have included forests, open fields, lakes, and documented military fortifications such as rifle pits and cannon placements.
The expanded boundaries represent ongoing efforts to preserve both the ecological richness and historical relevance of the region, which played a pivotal role in the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War.