Definition

Proper noun * A significant geographic feature and historical battlefield: Kennesaw Mountain is a mountain ridge located in Georgia, United States. It is most historically notable as the site of a major battle during the American Civil War in 1864, where Union forces led by General William T. Sherman attacked Confederate positions under General Joseph E. Johnston.

Usage

• As a geographic location: The term is used to refer to the physical mountain and the surrounding area, which is now a U.S. National Battlefield Park.
  • We hiked to the top of Kennesaw Mountain for the view.
  • The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves the historic site.
• As a historical reference: It is used specifically to denote the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, a pivotal engagement during the Atlanta Campaign.
  • The fighting at Kennesaw Mountain resulted in heavy Union casualties.
  • General Johnston's defensive strategy at Kennesaw Mountain delayed Sherman's advance.

Advanced Usage

• Metonymic use: The name can be used metonymically to represent the broader Atlanta Campaign or a specific type of costly frontal assault during the Civil War.
  • Sherman learned from the failed direct attacks at Kennesaw Mountain and shifted to flanking maneuvers.

Variants and Related Words

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (n): The U.S. National Park Service site that preserves and interprets the battlefield.
• Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (n): The full, formal name for the military engagement that took place there in June 1864.

Synonyms

• Battlefield: (a more general term for the location of the battle)
• Engagement: (a more general term for the military conflict)

Related Phrases

• Atlanta Campaign: The larger series of battles and maneuvers in 1864 of which the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was a part.
• Sherman's March to the Sea: The subsequent campaign undertaken by General Sherman after capturing Atlanta.

Noun

1. battle of the American Civil War (1864); Union forces under William Tecumseh Sherman were repulsed by Confederate troops under Joseph Eggleston Johnston