Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2010

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5152, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2010. As the author of this legislation, I appreciate the work of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee--Mr. Rahall from West Virginia and Mr. Hastings from Washington--for working in a bipartisan manner to bring this bill to the House floor today.

The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was first authorized as a unit of the National Park System within the National Park Service on June 26, 1935. This park preserves the area surrounding the location of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, which took place in June of 1864. This battle was the last major battle of Union General William T. Sherman's campaign to capture Atlanta during the Civil War.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5152 will adjust the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include approximately 8 acres which contain the historic Wallis House and Harriston Hill. The Wallis House is one of the few remaining structures from the battle and adds significant historical significance to the park. Currently, the park focuses on Confederate positions and strategy. With the addition of these 8 acres, the park will now include important strategic positions of the Union.

In fact, Union General O.O. Howard used the Wallis House as his headquarters during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, and General Sherman was stationed at the Wallis House during the preceding Battle of Kolb's Farm. Additionally, Harriston Hill--which is adjacent to the Wallis House--was used as signaling position by General Howard and offers a picturesque view of the valley leading to the top of Kennesaw Mountain where Confederate troops were positioned.

Mr. Speaker, adding these 8 acres to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park would only enhance a visitor's experience at the park by providing critical information about the positions of both Union and Confederate troops during the battle. Most importantly, adding the 8 acres to the park will have no cost to the American taxpayers.

H.R. 5152 only authorizes the National Park Service to acquire the land in question from willing landowners by donation or exchange only. The 8 acres that will be added to the park has already been purchased by Cobb County and the Cobb Land Trust for the purposes of donating it to the National Park Service.

This legislation is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment by the National Park Service, the Cobb Land Trust, the Georgia Civil War Commission, and the Cobb County Government.

Specifically, I want to commend the Superintendent of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park--Stanley Bond--and the park's Chief Ranger--Lloyd Morris--for their service to the park and this expansion. I also want to thank Cobb County Commissioner Helen Goreham--who represents the Park, the Wallis House, and Harriston Hill--for coming to Washington to testify on behalf of this legislation before the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. Speaker, as a long time resident of Cobb County, I can personally attest to the historical significance and beauty of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This park--which is second only to Gettysburg National Battlefield Park in terms of annual visitors out of all of the Civil War parks--is important to the local community and the preservation of our national heritage. I believe that H.R. 5152 only adds to the significance of the park and will enhance the experience of visitors for years to come.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5152.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5152) to adjust the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 5152 was introduced by Representative Gingrey of Georgia. The bill would adjust the boundaries of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include two additional historic sites associated with that battle.

Pursuant to the legislation, Cobb County would donate the properties to the National Park Service. This bill has the full support of the National Park Service and current property owners.

Mr. Speaker, we do not oppose H.R. 5152.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was authorized as a unit of the National Park System in 1935 as one of the first battlefield parks. Most of the park consists of Confederate positions. This bill will allow the Wallis House, one of the few remaining structures associated with Union forces, to be added to the park.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 8 acres that are owned by Cobb County and will be donated to the National Park Service. Congressman Gingrey should be commended for his work on this bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.