Press Releases

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after he reintroduced a bill to preserve historic property at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, H.R. 187:

“I first introduced this legislation in 2015, and I’m introducing it for the third consecutive Congress. Kennesaw Mountain is one of the wonderful historic attractions in our district, and the addition of the Wallis House and Harriston Hill will bring even more valuable historic property to the park. Our nation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic sites, especially those battlefields where Americans fought and died for our freedoms. I urge my House and Senate colleagues to bring this bipartisan legislation to the floor for a vote, so everyone can visit and learn about these key historic sites for years to come.”

Congressmen Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Jody Hice (R-GA), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) are original co-sponsors of this bill, and companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA):

“The preservation of Georgia’s historical landmarks provides unique educational opportunities for the public so they can experience the history by visiting the same fields, hilltops and valleys as the people did before us," said Rep.Sanford Bishop (D-GA). "The inclusion of two historically significant properties at Kennesaw Mountain will add to the historic value of the park, Georgia and the country. I thank Congressman Loudermilk for introducing this important piece of legislation."

“Expanding the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill will add to the historical significance of the park by giving visitors an opportunity to experience key strategies and positions of troops during the Civil War,” said Senator Isakson (R-GA). “I hope both the House and Senate will act quickly to allow this expansion.”

“The Wallis House and Harriston Hill have rich historical significance to Georgia and the entire country,” said Senator Perdue (R-GA). “Expanding the park boundaries to include these properties will give park visitors a full picture of the battleground’s history. I’m proud to join my fellow Georgians in working to preserve our state’s history.”

Summary of H.R. 187:

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately eight acres of property adjacent to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Specifically, it would add the historic Wallis House and Harriston Hill to the park’s property.

History

Built by Josiah Wallis in 1853, and occupied by his family until the Civil War, the Wallis House was used as a hospital by the Confederate Army. Additionally, during the Atlanta Campaign, the Wallis House was used as the headquarters for Union General William T. Sherman during the Battle of Kolb’s Farm. The house was also used as the headquarters for Union General Oliver O. Howard during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain – the last major battle leading to the fall of Atlanta. Adjacent to the Wallis House is the 5.5-acre Harriston Hill, used by General Howard as a signaling position, and offering a sweeping view of the valley leading to the Confederate line atop Kennesaw Mountain.