West Cobb, GA July 2026 by City Lifestyle

EXPLORE

North Georgia

TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE THE CHARM OF LAGRANGE

HIKING TO GEORGIA'S HIDDEN ECO-LODGE

This Summer, Don’t Let Leg Pain Delay Your Departure

Traveling can worsen symptoms of vein disease, causing leg pain, swelling, heaviness, cramping, and fatigue, especially during long flights, road trips, and busy vacation days.

Don’t let uncomfortable legs hold you back from the memories waiting to be made this summer.

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Letter From the Editor

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our Explore Issue, a celebration of discovery, adventure, and the countless opportunities waiting just beyond our front doors. Whether it's a scenic trail through the North Georgia mountains, a hidden gem in our own community, or a destination that inspires a fresh perspective, exploration has a way of enriching our lives and reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us.

In this issue, we invite you to embrace curiosity and venture into experiences both near and far. You'll find stories that highlight unforgettable destinations, outdoor adventures, local treasures, and the people who inspire us to see the world through a different lens. From weekend getaways and family excursions to personal journeys of growth and discovery, these pages are filled with opportunities to reconnect with nature, community, and yourself.

Exploration is about more than travel. It's about stepping outside of routine, trying something new, and remaining open to the unexpected. Sometimes the most meaningful adventures happen hundreds of miles away, while other times they're found in a place we've passed countless times without truly noticing.

We're fortunate to live in a community that values connection, adventure, and lifelong learning. Whether you're hiking a mountain trail, supporting a local business, discovering a new restaurant, or simply taking a different route through town, each experience has the potential to spark inspiration and create lasting memories.

Throughout this issue, you'll meet individuals and organizations that encourage exploration in all its forms. Their stories remind us that growth often begins with a willingness to take the first step, ask the first question, or follow a path we've never traveled before.

As summer unfolds and opportunities for adventure abound, we hope these stories inspire you to seek out new experiences, appreciate the places that make our region special, and create meaningful moments with those you love.

Thank you for joining us on this journey and for being part of a community that embraces discovery, connection, and the spirit of adventure.

Here's to exploring more, wandering farther, and finding inspiration wherever the road may lead.

Warmly,

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ana Markosi | ana.markosi@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ian Jarvis Hathaway | ian.hathaway@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com

Linda Carroll | lclifephotos@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Andrew J. Bramlett, Tran Bui, Wendy Edwards

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR @WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

1: City of Marietta IT team celebrating May the Fourth 2: Cobb County employees competed in a pickleball tournament and raised $2,325 for Meals on Wheels 3: Stratton Library's opening after renovation 4: May-retta Daze 5: May-retta Daze 6: Madeline Ambery, KSU graphic design student, won the Cobb County Water System T-Shirt Design Contest 7: Leadership Cobb Class of 2026

CITY OF MARIETTA

COBB COUNTY GOVERNMENT

MARIETTA PARKS & RECREATION

COBB CHAMBER

General Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Implant Dentistry

IV Sedation

PRP/PRF Treatments

Periodontics

Tissue Grafting treatments

Smile Brighter Live Better!

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"We focus on what matters most—your comfort, your health, and results that truly shine to help you smile with confidence."

F.D., C.C.O., President and CEO

Cobb Receives Award for its Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Standards

Georgia Government Management Information Sciences (GMIS) recognized Cobb County with a Best Practices award for work on its Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Standards. This honor reflects Cobb’s continued commitment to responsible innovation, thoughtful governance, and the practical use of technology to support county operations and public service. GMIS International is a professional association of government IT leaders dedicated to advancing best practices in public sector technology.

Photography by Cobb County Government

David W. Roach

Chris Messina F.D., C.C.O., General Manager

Madi Ferrara Advance Planning Specialist

The Battery Continues To Drive Economic Growth In Cobb County

Cobb County officials and the Atlanta Braves shared the 2026 annual update highlighting the Battery’s continued success. In 2014, The Battery consisted of four parcels generating $67,000 in tax revenue. It now contains 60 parcels generating $8.74 million in tax revenue which is distributed to the Cobb County General Fund, Cobb County Board of Education and the Cumberland Community Improvement District. County officials and Braves representatives described the partnership as a long-term success.

CONTINUED >

YOUR FUTURE IS OUR PRIORITY

LET US HANDLE THE LEGAL BURDENS, SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON WHAT TRULY MATTERS.

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Town Center CID Celebrates Completion of South Barrett Reliever

The Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) along with federal, state and local partners, celebrated the completion of the South Barrett Reliever with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event took place on the newly constructed bridge, the largest part of the project that spans Interstate 75 and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes. The South Barrett Reliever is an investment in Cobb County’s infrastructure, addressing long-standing challenges caused by limited east–west connectivity across I-75.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

the CHARM Experience of LaGrange

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

Lafayette Square

Just an hour south of Atlanta, LaGrange is one of those places that quietly surprises visitors. This historic Georgia town offers a blend of small-town hospitality, creative energy, architectural treasures, and a rapidly evolving food scene that rewards travelers willing to slow down and explore.

During a spring weekend visit, I discovered a destination where Victorian architecture housed contemporary art, local shop owners knew their customers by name, and historic mill buildings had been transformed into some of the region's most exciting gathering places.

FRIDAY: DISCOVERING DOWNTOWN CHARM

Our weekend began in the heart of downtown LaGrange, where red-brick sidewalks, historic storefronts, and a welcoming atmosphere created an immediate sense of place.

After settling into the Courtyard by Marriott overlooking Lafayette Square, we headed out for lunch. For visitors seeking authentic Southern comfort food, Taste of Lemon serves generous portions inside a beautifully restored church dating back to 1892. The historic setting adds an extra layer of character to every meal. For those, like me, who prefer something more casual and a chance to stretch their legs, a hot dog from the historic counter-service diner Charlie Joseph's hit the spot.

LaGrange's compact downtown proved remarkably walkable, making it easy to spend the afternoon exploring its cultural attractions. After lunch, we visited the LaGrange Art Museum, which occupies a former Victorian jail built in 1892. The setting creates one of the most distinctive museum experiences in the Southeast, with contemporary exhibitions filling spaces that once housed inmates and creating a fascinating juxtaposition of history and creativity.

Next, we stopped at the Legacy Museum on Main, just a short stroll away. The museum provided a deeper understanding of West Georgia's past through exhibits spanning centuries of regional history.

As evening approached, downtown came alive during the Spring Sip and Shop. We wandered between boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and specialty shops, filling our glasses with complimentary wine along the way. Marketplace at Lafayette Square brimmed with antiques and treasures, while Pretty Good Books invited visitors to lose themselves among thousands of volumes. Newer additions such as Spellbound Books demonstrated that independent bookstores continue to thrive in LaGrange.

Dinner at Venucci highlighted another aspect of LaGrange's appeal: locally owned restaurants that prioritize quality ingredients and warm hospitality over fleeting trends. We enjoyed classic Italian American dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and packed with flavor. It was the perfect way to end a day spent discovering downtown's character.

SATURDAY: GARDENS, HISTORY, AND THE REVIVAL OF HILLSIDE

Saturday began slowly, as all good weekends should, with coffee and breakfast at Circa Coffee, a charming combination café and antique shop. After receiving a perfectly strong Americano, we spent the morning savoring our drinks while browsing the aisles for hidden treasures.

Our afternoon centered on one of Georgia's most impressive historic homes: Hills & Dales Estate. Built by the influential Callaway family, the estate sits amid rolling hills and meticulously maintained gardens that have become one of the state's horticultural treasures. Touring the elegant home gave us an engaging introduction to the family's legacy, while the gardens provided a tranquil escape filled with seasonal blooms and thoughtfully designed landscapes.

From there, our journey continued into LaGrange's Historic Hillside District, where the city's industrial past is being thoughtfully reimagined for a new generation. The iconic Callaway Memorial Tower rose above the neighborhood as a tribute to textile entrepreneur Fuller E. Callaway. Nearby, former mill buildings and historic structures had found new life as breweries, restaurants, boutiques, and gathering spaces.

By late afternoon, it was time for a pre-dinner drink at Beacon Brewing Co. The brewery perfectly captured the district's transformation. Named after a newsletter once distributed to mill workers, it honored local history while embracing contemporary craft beer culture. I would have happily lingered over another crisp Georgia peach cider, but soon it was time for our dinner reservation at Dry Docks.

This charming seafood restaurant brings Southern coastal flavors to the Hillside District. The experience felt both whimsical and refined, from the thoughtfully curated décor to the elevated cocktails with nautical-inspired names. When you visit, be sure to order the crab cakes. Delicate and savory, they practically melted in your mouth when paired with the house-made remoulade.

Our evening continued at Nutwood Winery, where live music, locally crafted wine flights, and yard games brought together locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere served as a fitting reflection of modern LaGrange, rooted in tradition while embracing fresh ideas and experiences.

SUNDAY: A WALK THROUGH THE FUTURE

Before heading home, one final stop revealed how LaGrange continues to evolve.

After sipping an iced chai and a vanilla latte at Local Groundz, we explored The Thread. This growing multi-use trail system connects neighborhoods, parks, and attractions throughout the city. Stretching for miles across the community, the trail reflects LaGrange's investment in outdoor recreation and quality of life.

Walking The Thread offered a unique perspective on the city. Historic neighborhoods, green spaces, and cultural attractions connected seamlessly, illustrating how LaGrange balances preservation with progress.

WHY LAGRANGE DESERVES A SPOT ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST

Many Southern destinations rely on a single attraction or historic district. LaGrange succeeds because it offers a complete experience. History, art, architecture, food, shopping, outdoor recreation, and genuine hospitality are woven together into a destination that feels both authentic and accessible.

In a region filled with larger and more heavily promoted cities, LaGrange remains a place where visitors can spend a weekend wandering without an agenda, discovering local stories, meeting passionate business owners, and uncovering unexpected treasures around every corner.

For travelers seeking a Southern getaway that combines culture, creativity, and charm, LaGrange may be Georgia's most pleasant surprise.

Spring Sip and Shop

Exploring the greenhouse at Hills & Dales Estate

Sunset drinks at Nutwood WInery

Summer Adventure Guide

Four North Georgia Experiences for Every Type of Family Explorer

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

When summer arrives in North Georgia, the mountains become a playground for families seeking everything from outdoor thrills to small-town charm. Cooler

For the Outdoor Adventurer: Chase Waterfalls at Amicalola Falls State Park

Few places capture the spirit of North Georgia like Amicalola Falls State Park. Home to Georgia's tallest waterfall, the park offers an adventure that doesn't require expert hiking skills. Families can choose from a variety of trails, from easy pathways with scenic overlooks to the more challenging staircase route that climbs alongside the falls. Along the way, kids can spot wildflowers and native wildlife while parents enjoy panoramic mountain views. The rushing water creates a refreshing escape from summer heat, and the observation decks provide excellent opportunities for family photos.

For the Animal Lover: Discover Wildlife at North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari

Animal lovers will find plenty to explore at the North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari. Unlike larger metropolitan zoos, this family-owned attraction offers opportunities to get remarkably close to its residents.

Visitors can meet exotic animals, participate in guided wildlife tours, and enjoy educational programs that teach children about conservation and animal care. One of the zoo's biggest draws is its focus on interaction. Feeding experiences and behind-the-scenes programs allow families to engage directly with animals while learning from knowledgeable staff members. northgeorgiazoo.com

temperatures, scenic landscapes and attractions make the region an ideal destination for day trips and weekend getaways. Whether your family prefers hiking, exploring local history, encountering wildlife, or making memories

For the Small-Town Explorer: Spend a Day in Blue Ridge

The mountain town of Blue Ridge provides the perfect setting for a leisurely day filled with discovery. Its walkable downtown combines local shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, making it easy to keep everyone entertained.

Start the day browsing unique boutiques and bookstores before stopping for ice cream or homemade fudge. Then hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, one of the region's most popular attractions. The train ride follows the Toccoa River through beautiful mountain scenery, offering a relaxing way to experience the area's natural beauty without strenuous activity. It's a destination where families can slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a North Georgia summer.

For the Water Adventurer: Paddle and Play on Lake Blue Ridge

When temperatures rise, few things are more appealing than a day on the water. Lake Blue Ridge offers crystal-clear mountain waters surrounded by forested hills, creating one of North Georgia's most picturesque settings. Families can rent kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats, or canoes and spend the day exploring hidden coves and stretches of shoreline. The lake's calm conditions make it especially welcoming for beginners, allowing children and first-time paddlers to build confidence while enjoying the outdoors. For families seeking a more relaxed experience, swimming areas and lakeside picnic spots provide plenty of opportunities to cool off and unwind. Whether you're paddling across open water, jumping off the dock for a swim, or simply soaking up the scenery, a day on the lake delivers the kind of carefree summer memories that last long after the season ends.

on the water, North Georgia offers adventures tailored to every interest and age group. This summer, trade screen time for mountain views and discover four unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of the region.

HIKING TO Georgia's HIDDEN Eco-Lodge

A Night at the Len Foote Hike Inn

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

There are few places where reaching your hotel requires a five-mile hike through the mountains. Tucked deep within the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dawsonville, Georgia, the Len Foote Hike Inn offers exactly that kind of adventure.

Accessible from Amicalola Falls State Park, the Hike Inn combines the solitude of a wilderness experience with the comforts of a rustic lodge. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique getaway, it delivers a chance to disconnect from technology, reconnect with nature, and experience sustainability in action.

Our adventure began at the top of Amicalola Falls. From there, we took the Hike Inn Trail, which winds for approximately 4.8 miles through hardwood forests, across wooden footbridges, and along ridgelines hinting at the southern Appalachian landscapes ahead. The moderate hike gained and lost elevation throughout, offering just enough challenge to make our arrival feel rewarding without requiring backpacking expertise.

After three hours on the trail, the gray-clad buildings of the Hike Inn emerged from the forest. We were greeted by covered walkways, comfortable guest rooms, hot showers, and a staff known for warm hospitality. Dinner and breakfast are served family style and included with each stay, creating a communal atmosphere where strangers often become trail companions over shared meals.

One of the most memorable aspects of the Hike Inn was its deliberate embrace of simplicity. Guest rooms are comfortable but intentionally free from televisions and unnecessary distractions. Cell service is limited, and there are few opportunities to remain tethered to the digital world. Instead, we spent our stay in the common rooms, playing board games, watching sunsets over the mountains, and simply enjoying conversations that feel increasingly uncommon in everyday life.

The experience becomes even more meaningful when visitors discover that the Hike Inn is one of Georgia's most successful examples of sustainable tourism. From its earliest design stages, the facility was created to minimize its impact on the surrounding forest. The buildings were constructed on stilts to reduce disturbance to the mountaintop terrain, allowing water and wildlife to move naturally beneath the structures. Rainwater is collected in recycled barrels and used to irrigate native landscaping rather than relying on additional water resources.

Energy conservation is woven throughout the property. Solar photovoltaic panels generate a significant portion of the inn's electricity, while solar-thermal systems help provide hot water for the bathhouse. The lodge's "Above the Grid" solar initiative was designed to dramatically reduce reliance on conventional energy sources and lower its overall carbon footprint.

Perhaps the most talked-about sustainability feature is the inn's composting toilet system. These odor-free facilities save more than 200,000 gallons of water annually, demonstrating how innovative infrastructure can dramatically reduce resource consumption without sacrificing guest comfort.

Food waste is handled with equal care. Through a vermiculture program, red wiggler worms transform kitchen scraps and paper waste into nutrient-rich compost used throughout the property. What might otherwise end up in a landfill becomes fertilizer, creating a closed-loop system that guests can observe during evening educational tours.

These efforts have earned national recognition. The Hike Inn achieved LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest level available, and has maintained that distinction through subsequent recertifications. The certification evaluates performance in areas including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, transportation, and overall environmental stewardship.

The next morning began with sunrise spilling across the Blue Ridge foothills and a hearty breakfast before the return hike to

Amicalola Falls. While the trek back retraced the previous day's route, the experience felt different. We left with photographs, memories, and a deeper appreciation for how tourism and conservation can coexist.

In an era when sustainability is often reduced to marketing slogans, the Len Foote Hike Inn demonstrates what genuine environmental stewardship looks like. By blending outdoor recreation, education, and innovative conservation practices, this hidden mountain retreat offers visitors not only an unforgettable overnight adventure but also a glimpse of a more sustainable future.

For those willing to earn their lodging one step at a time, the Hike Inn remains one of Georgia's most rewarding destinations.

hike-inn.com

Fresh

House made prepared meals

Customized cuts of meat & fish

Curated dry goods

Fresh produce

Local dairy & cheeses

ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

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Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

250 Years

Reflecting on America 250 and Kennesaw

This month marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This is a hugely important moment in American history and can rightfully be called the country’s birthday. As a local historian, it can be difficult at first to connect this historic occasion to our local area. In 1776, the area that is now Cobb County was home to Native American tribes. It was only after the Trail of Tears, decades later in the 1830s, that white settlers began arriving in this area and formed what we now know as Kennesaw and Acworth. By that time, the events of 1776 were just a distant memory.

The defining moment in American history for our area is not the events of 1776 but of 1864. The Civil War’s Atlanta Campaign permanently changed Georgia, and its reverberations can still be felt today. Historians have increasingly begun to reevaluate the Civil War and the resulting Reconstruction as a “second founding” for America. The historian Eric Foner, in particular, has written on this topic. During and after the Civil War, the meaning of freedom and citizenship evolved as African Americans gained their freedom and voting rights. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments are just as important as the Bill of Rights, and their legacy and meaning remain debated political topics today. What cannot be denied is that they

ARTICLE BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

fundamentally altered what it means to be an American and laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of the federal government and Constitution. That process was a long and slow one, directly tied to the bloodshed of the Civil War. It is here that we return to local history: without the events of the Atlanta Campaign, this process might not have been possible.

In May 1864, the Union army under William Techumsah Sherman began moving South through Georgia, following the Western & Atlantic Railroad. For the next several months, Sherman would clash with the Confederate army under generals Joseph E. Johnston and John Bell Hood. Sherman’s ultimate objective was Atlanta, a key transportation hub.

The war arrived in Cobb County in June, with the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. That clash was one of the worst of the

This illustration by Theodore R. Davis shows the cannon fire at Kennesaw Mountain. Image from the Library of Congress.

campaign. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was largely fought at an area now called Cheatham Hill, where Union soldiers tried unsuccessfully to overrun the Confederate earthworks. At the end of the battle, the Union had lost, but their opponents remained nervous. General Johnston decided to retreat from the battlefield he had won. After a long siege, Atlanta was captured by Sherman on September 2, 1864. In November, Big Shanty (modern Kennesaw) and Marietta were burned.

The description above highlights the military aspect of the battle, but the social and political context is what ties these troop movements to the broader themes of American liberty. As Sherman marched through Georgia, countless formerly enslaved men and women were freed. Almost 4,000 individuals had been enslaved in Cobb County alone. Once freed, they would help the Union army, serving as nurses and stretcher bearers. To them, the Atlanta Campaign was not the movement of troops across North Georgia, but a moment marking the end of enslavement and the start of a new era in their lives.

At the same time, the Atlanta Campaign was significant from a political standpoint. It had been over three years since the first shots of the war were fired at Fort Sumter, and the war that

Photo: The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was fought on June 27, 1864. Image from the Boston Public Library.

was supposed to have ended in days had dragged on and caused untold devastation. The campaign coincided with an election year, where Abraham Lincoln ran against former Union general George B. McClellan. McClellan’s party platform promised to end the war by negotiating with the Confederacy, which likely would have meant the continuation of slavery. Lincoln needed a major victory to show voters the Union war effort was successful and that the end of the war was soon at hand. The fall of Atlanta proved to be that moment. Partly because of this success, Lincoln was reelected. Without that moment, it is hard to imagine “America’s second founding” being possible.

The era of Reconstruction that followed may be seen as a period of unfulfilled promises, but it helped lay the groundwork for the important social transformations of the Civil Rights era. Without the Atlanta Campaign – and the events that occurred in our backyard – this key moment of the American story would not have been possible.

For more exploration of this theme, I highly recommend the film at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.