Kennesaw

The Great Locomotive Chase, also known as the Andrews' Raid, took place on April 12, 1862, during the American Civil War. It was a military raid in which Union Army volunteers commandeered a Confederate train in an effort to destroy the railroad network in Georgia. The event started in Kennesaw, then known as Big Shanty, and ended near Chattanooga, Tennessee. This daring raid has become a part of local folklore and is commemorated at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a significant clash during the American Civil War, fought on June 27, 1864. It was part of the Atlanta Campaign between the Union forces led by Major General William T. Sherman and the Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston. The battle took place in Cobb County, Georgia, near Kennesaw, and marked a strategic attempt by Sherman to break through the Confederate lines protecting Atlanta. Despite suffering high casualties, the Union forces continued their campaign, eventually capturing Atlanta later in the year.

Kennesaw, Georgia was officially incorporated on September 15, 1883. The city, originally known as Big Shanty, grew around the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad during the 19th century. This development was crucial for the city's expansion, as the railroad brought economic growth and increased population to the area. Over time, Kennesaw transformed from a railroad town into a thriving suburban community with historical significance due to its Civil War history, particularly the Great Locomotive Chase and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

Kennesaw State University, originally Kennesaw Junior College, was founded on October 9, 1963 and opened to students on September 18, 1966 in Kennesaw, Georgia. The university was established to meet the growing demand for higher education in Cobb County and the surrounding areas. It started as a junior college and later expanded to become a major educational institution, providing a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. As of today, Kennesaw State University is the second-largest university in Georgia, with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement.

In March 1982, the city of Kennesaw, Georgia passed a law requiring heads of households to own at least one firearm with ammunition. This ordinance was primarily symbolic, aimed at deterring crime through the perception that residents were armed and ready to defend themselves. At the time, the law attracted nationwide attention due to its unique nature, and sparked debates on gun rights and public safety. Despite the initial controversy, the law remains on the books, although there are numerous exemptions and it is not enforced strictly.

In 1996, the city of Kennesaw, Georgia played a role in the Summer Olympics hosted in Atlanta by hosting some of the Olympic baseball games. The games were held at the Al Bishop Complex in Cobb County, which attracted thousands of spectators and brought international attention to Kennesaw. This event was part of the larger Olympic Games, which were notable for being one of the last to incorporate both amateur and professional athletes. The Olympics provided a boost to local infrastructure and tourism.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History opened in Kennesaw, Georgia on August 19, 2001. The museum features a variety of exhibits focusing on the role of railroads in the Civil War, including the famous 'Great Locomotive Chase.' The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and serves as a major educational and historical resource for visitors and residents alike. It preserves and interprets the history of the Southern railway system and its significance during the Civil War.

Kennesaw State University launched its football program on November 14, 2014, becoming the newest collegiate football team in Georgia. The program aimed to build a competitive team in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, enhancing campus life and the university's sports culture. The team played its first games in the 2015 season, quickly gaining popularity and support from students and the local community. The addition of the football program marked a significant expansion of Kennesaw State University's athletics department.

On April 21, 2017, Kennesaw became part of the Innovation Crescent Regional Partnership, which is a coalition of more than a dozen counties and cities in Georgia, focused on fostering economic development and innovation. The partnership aims to promote collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government to advance the life sciences sector in Georgia. Through this partnership, Kennesaw seeks to contribute to the region's reputation as a hub for research and innovation, and to attract high-tech companies and talent.

In December 2019, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park underwent an expansion that added several hundred acres to the existing park. This expansion was aimed at preserving important Civil War battlefield sites and providing enhanced recreational opportunities for visitors. Kennesaw Mountain is a significant historical site that attracts numerous history enthusiasts and nature lovers every year. The expansion also helps in protecting the natural environment and ensuring the preservation of the area's rich historical legacy for future generations.