Press Releases

Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) has reintroduced a bill to preserve a historic piece of property at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

“Our nation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic sites, especially those battlefields where Americans fought and died for freedom,” said Rep. Loudermilk. “Sites such as Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park allow us to look back in time to get a glimpse of the events that shaped our nation. It is extremely important that we understand our history; otherwise, we will be destined to repeat the mistakes of our past. This bill, which I introduced in the last Congress, aims to preserve our nation’s heritage right here in the district I’m privileged to represent.”

The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act, H.R. 558, modifies the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Georgia to include approximately eight acres identified as Wallis House and Harriston Hill. The legislation will authorize the National Park Service to acquire the property through donation.

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) sponsored this legislation in the Senate, and it is co-sponsored by seven other Georgia members of the House of Representatives.

Senator Isakson said, “I’m proud to again introduce this legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives during the last Congress. By adding the Wallis House and Harriston Hill, we will expand the park’s boundaries and add to the historical significant of the park, as these locations provided key strategic key positions for both Confederate and Union troops during the Battle on Kennesaw.”

“The addition of the Wallis House and Harriston Hill will give visitors a full picture of the historical significance of this battleground,” said Senator Perdue. “I’m proud to join my fellow Georgians in working to preserve our state’s history.”

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. 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 offered a sweeping view of the valley leading to the Confederate line atop Kennesaw Mountain.