Earthworks (trenches) at Pigeon Hill, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

The first major fighting in the Kennesaw Mountain area took place on June 22, 1864, when the Confederate Army unsuccessfully attacked the Union right flank at Kolb’s Farm at the southern end of the battlefield. Afterwards, Union general William T. Sherman was convinced that the Confederate line was spread too thin due to its heavy loses during battle and the fact that it now stretched seven miles from the Kolb Farm all the way to a little northeast of Kennesaw Mountain. He therefore decided to attack the Confederates at the center of their line in two places: the area stretching from Pigeon Hill to Little Kennesaw Mountain and at Deadman’s Angle, which would become known as Cheatham Hill. While the terrain was certainly steep in these locations, both Pigeon Hill and Cheatham Hill were not nearly as steep as Little Kennesaw Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain to the north.

On June 27th at 8 AM, the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain began. Due to the Confederate Army’s superior position at the tops of these and other hills in the area, Union troops were repelled at both Pigeon Hill and Cheatham Hill. By noon, Sherman ended the attack and resorted once again to his flanking maneuvers at the northern and southern ends of the battlefield. This strategy forced the Confederates to retreat, and on July 2nd they abandoned Kennesaw Mountain and moved to the east side of the Chattahoochee River to make one more stand.

For those who want to visit Pigeon Hill at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, use the parking lot on Burnt Hickory Road at the intersection with Old Mountain Road. Keep in mind that there is a fee to use any of the parking lots within the park. If you have not already purchased a pass, there is a credit card-operated pay station available. You can also purchase a pass at the Visitor Center or online at Recreation.gov.