Trust for Public Land has closed on the acquisition of 21.467 acres of land at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, one of the most historically significant and visited Civil War sites in the Southeast. This critical addition ensures the land—previously at risk of residential development—will instead be permanently protected for public recreation, historical education and conservation.

Trust for Public Land’s long-standing goal at Kennesaw Mountain is to preserve this nationally significant battlefield by linking key parcels of land to create a cohesive park that supports public exploration and learning. The newly acquired property, now under National Park Service ownership, safeguards not only the rural, open character of the area but also any Civil War-related archaeological resources that may lie beneath its surface. As an added benefit, the site includes a small pond now designated as a critical water source for forest fire protection.  During a forest fire in March 2025, helicopters used the pond to fill firefighting buckets with water for fire suppression.

“In partnership with the National Park Service, we’re proud to protect this historic land for future generations,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director for Trust for Public Land. “This acquisition isn’t just about adding acreage—it’s about preventing the fragmentation of this irreplaceable landscape and keeping it from being lost to suburban development. Thanks to the support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the National Park Foundation, we’ve ensured this land remains part of the story of our shared history.”

This acquisition builds on decades of effort by Trust for Public Land to expand and protect the park. In 2008, the organization worked closely with the Hensley family, long-time area residents, to acquire approximately 34 acres of their land, bringing critical forest and field areas into the park. When the family recently decided to sell an additional 21 acres, Trust for Public Land stepped in to secure the site and finalize the transfer to public ownership.

Today, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield spans 2,923 acres, including three battlefield areas and 11 miles of preserved Civil War earthworks. The park is a major recreational asset for Cobb County, offering more than 18 miles of interpretive trails, designated picnic areas and access to the only National Park Service property commemorating the Atlanta Campaign of 1864.

Previous park additions by Trust for Public Land include:

• Early 2000s:Approximately 50 acres added to expand park access and continuity.
• 2008:Acquisition of 34 acres from the Hensley family, featuring forests, fields and a lake.
• 2013:Addition of the 42-acre Hays Farm, home to Nodine’s Hill with remnant Union entrenchments, rifle pits and cannon placements.

Trust for Public Land remains committed to protecting the historic and natural integrity of Kennesaw Mountain—ensuring that its stories can be told, its trails can be walked and its landscapes can be preserved for generations to come.