6 Fun Facts To Know About Kennesaw, Georgia

Why Visit Kennesaw?
You know that Kennesaw, GA is home to Group 1 Ford of Kennesaw, with the largest inventory of new Ford vehicles and quality used vehicles around. Did you also know that in 2004 First Lady Laura Bush designated it a, “Preserve America Community?” Or that in 2007 it was selected by Family Circle magazine as one of the nation’s, “10 Best Towns for Families?” That’s because there’s something special about Kennesaw.

#1 Started As A Railroad Shanty Town
Kennesaw is located in Cobb County and is part of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area known as Metro-Atlanta. It was founded in 1887 after it sprang up as a shantytown to house workers of the Western and Atlantic railroad. Since then, Kennesaw has forged a personality of its own—with deep roots in locomotive history and the Civil War—and an eye on the future.

#2 The Name Has Native American Roots
The name Kennesaw has Native American roots, but its exact meaning and origin are a little uncertain. The National Park Service attributes it to the Cherokee Indian word, “Gah-nee-sah,” for cemetery or burial ground. Author Richard Thornton, in his book Ancient Roots, attributes the name to a Muskogee word meaning, “Raccoon People.” Others think it may be a variation of the Cherokee word, “Conasauga,” meaning grass.

#3 Kennesaw Is Surrounded By Civil War Historical Sites
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, southeast of the city, encompasses many historic areas that were part of the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. These local battles were fought from June 19, 1864, to July 2, 1864, and over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The park has many monuments detailing events of the battles, as well as a Visitor Center, Museum, and hiking trails.

#4 Home To The Southern Museum
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is located right in Kennesaw. The museum houses the General locomotive, a train made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862 (a campaign of the Civil War.) It also features a large Civil War collection, the Glover Machine Works (a restored 20th-century locomotive assembly line,) and the Jolley Education Center with many hands-on and interactive exhibits.

#5 Kennesaw Has A Rather Unique Firearms Law
In 1982, in response to Morton Grove, IL’s law mandating gun prohibition, Kennesaw passed the following ordinance: (a) In order to provide for the emergency management of the city, and further in order to provide for and protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants, every head of household residing in the city limits is required to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition therefore. ((b) includes some exemptions)

#6 Kennesaw Is Neighbors With Red Top Mountain State Park
Kennesaw is less than 20 miles from Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth, GA. Located on Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain SP is a great place for fun. It encompasses more than 15 miles of trails—some paved, some for hikers, and some for bikers. Here’s a list of other things to do there: camping, boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, archery, geocaching, mini golf, water skiing, pickleball, tennis, birdwatching, and educational/interpretive programs.

There’s something special about Kennesaw, GA. That’s why it’s listed by many sources as one of the best places in Georgia. At Group 1 Ford of Kennesaw, the premier Ford dealer in Kennesaw, we truly believe that. We strive to live up to the Kennesaw name by providing the best in customer service, the best selection of new Ford vehicles, a great service department, and fair pricing. Come visit us and see what special is all about.