Kennesaw in Cobb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Big Shanty

Photographed By David Seibert, April 27, 2010

1. Big Shanty Marker

Inscription. In 1838 - 41, a construction camp of laborers, grading & building the State R.R., was located at the spring approximately 250 yds. W. of here, where temporary structures (shanties) housed the workmen.

Track level here, being some 345 ft. above the level at Cartersville, 19 mi. N., the grade was 18 ft. per mi. at the time of construction. In railroad parlance, this was known as "the big grade to the shanties" - later shortened to "big shanty grade", finally to "Big Shanty", which was changed to Kennesaw about 1870. In June, 1864, Federal forces on the Kennesaw Mtn. front, drew supplies at this point.

Erected 1954 by The Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 033-40.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1864.

Location. 34° 1.414′ N, 84° 36.901′ W. Marker is in Kennesaw, Georgia, in Cobb County. Marker is at the intersection of Cherokee Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Cherokee Street. It is between the railroad tracks and Main Street. It lies on the North side of Cherokee Street. Touch for map.

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Marker is in this post office area: Kennesaw GA 30152, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Andrews Raid (a few steps from this marker); Site - Lacy Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Stewart's Corps at Big Shanty (a few steps from this marker); Federal Occupation of Big Shanty (within shouting distance of this marker); Locomotive "General" (within shouting distance of this marker); William A. Fuller (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The General (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kennesaw.

Additional commentary.
1. Location of the Spring
The spring can be located in nearby Camp McDonald Park, in the forested area, on the NE edge, approximately 200 feet due South of Watts Drive, behind the large apartment building.

— Submitted July 30, 2019.

Photographed By David Seibert, April 27, 2010

2. Big Shanty Marker

The marker stands with four other Georgia Historical Markers at the site where the locomotive "The General" was captured by James J. Andrews and his raiders.

Photographed By Jamie Abel, June 4, 2013

3. Big Shanty Marker

The railroad tracks running north directly east of the marker. The Southern Museum of the Civil War and Railroad History, stands next to the tracks.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2010, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,947 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 1, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3. submitted on June 23, 2013, by Jamie Abel of Westerville, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.