Press Releases

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after President Trump signed a package of natural resources bills, S. 47, which included his Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act, into law:

“The signing of this bill marks the end of nearly a decade of legislative work, and begins an era of historic preservation at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. While I first introduced this legislation in 2015, my predecessor Congressman Phil Gingrey began working on this bill in 2010. The National Park Service can now acquire the historic Wallis House and Harriston Hill properties which, once restored, will greatly enhance the visitors’ experience at the park and open the door to a greater understanding of the events that took place there. I am proud to be a part of preserving a piece of our nation’s history, and I thank the countless individuals and organizations who have worked so hard to see this happen.”

Summary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act:

• Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by donation, approximately eight acres of property to be added to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Specifically, it would add the 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 later used as a hospital by the Confederate Army. 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, which was used by General Howard as a signaling position and offers a sweeping view of the valley leading to the Confederate line atop Kennesaw Mountain.