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Rep. Loudermilk Presented with the National Park Heritage Award

Washington, April 24, 2019
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after being presented with the National Park Heritage Award for his bill the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act, which was signed into law last month:

“I want to thank the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for this award, and for being the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. Expanding Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill properties was vital to the preservation of our history, and will enhance the visitor’s experience at the park for decades to come. I share this award with my predecessor, Congressman Phil Gingrey, who began working on this bill a few years ago, and Senator Johnny Isakson, who carried this bill in the Senate.”

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.