Rep. Loudermilk Introduces Bill to Add Historic Property to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Statement

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) has introduced legislation to add historically significant property to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

H.R. 3371, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2015, would expand the park's boundaries to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill, located near the intersection of Burnt Hickory Road and Ernest Barrett Parkway in Marietta, Georgia. With this legislation, the National Park Service would be authorized to acquire the property by donation.

"Kennesaw Mountain is one of the wonderful historic attractions in our District, and the addition of the Wallis House and Harriston Hill will add even more valuable property to the park," said Rep. Loudermilk. "I am grateful to Cobb County for its willingness to make this donation, and I look forward to locals and visitors being able to visit and learn about these key locations in Civil War history for years to come."

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.

The bill, which is also being reintroduced by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), passed the House of Representatives unanimously in 2010. This legislation is co-sponsored by Georgia Reps. Buddy Carter and Lynn Westmoreland.

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