Kennesaw is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta along the Interstate 75 corridor. Its history predates the Civil War: the community began as Big Shanty, a rough railroad settlement along the Western and Atlantic Railroad, and later took the name Kennesaw from the prominent mountain to its west. The area gained national significance during the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, when the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was fought across its hills. Today Kennesaw is home to roughly 39,000 residents and is one of Cobb County's major suburban communities. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a unit of the National Park Service, preserves the battlefield and provides a network of hiking trails, historical markers, and a visitor center — a rare blend of history and open space in a developed Atlanta suburb. Education is a defining feature of the city. Kennesaw State University, founded in 1963 as Kennesaw Junior College, has grown into one of Georgia's largest universities, with campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. Public K-12 education is provided by the Cobb County School District, which operates schools such as Kennesaw Elementary, McCall Primary, Palmer Middle School, and Kennesaw Mountain High School. Kennesaw's location is central to its appeal. Interstate 75 and US Highway 41 run through the city, making it a practical base for commuters traveling to Atlanta, Marietta, and the surrounding region, with downtown Atlanta typically a 25 to 35 minute drive away. The combination of a major university, Civil War heritage, strong schools, and freeway access gives Kennesaw a well-rounded suburban profile that draws families, students, and professionals alike.