Kennesaw, Georgia, is home to a peculiar law that mandates gun ownership for its residents. While some see it as a matter of pride, others view it as an outdated relic. The community grapples with the implications of this law, reflecting both a deep-rooted gun culture and an evolving perspective on safety and identity.
The Uncommon Gun Law of Kennesaw, Georgia: A Historical Relic or Community Pride?
The Uncommon Gun Law of Kennesaw, Georgia: A Historical Relic or Community Pride?
A dive into Kennesaw's unique gun ownership law and its impact on the town's culture.
In the heart of Georgia lies Kennesaw, a small town steeped in Southern charm, where the scent of fresh-baked treats mingles with the clamor of trains rolling by. Yet, one aspect of life in Kennesaw stands out in stark contrast to its picturesque scenery—a city ordinance from the 1980s mandating gun ownership for all heads of households.
Mayor Derek Easterling, a self-described "retired Navy guy," is quick to clarify that this law isn’t about actively checking up on residents. "It's not like you go around wearing it on your hip like the Wild Wild West," he commented. The law aims to ensure the safety and general welfare of Kennesaw's residents; however, it has seldom been enforced, with zero known prosecutions since its enactment in 1982.
This ordinance, rooted deeply in political symbolism and community sentiment, has ambivalent fanfare among locals. For some, it reflects a steadfast commitment to gun culture and the belief that it keeps crime at bay. "If anything, criminals need to be concerned," mused patrons at a local pizza joint. In 2023, Kennesaw police reports noted no murders, although two tragic suicides involving firearms occurred.
Contrastingly, others like Blake Weatherby, a church groundskeeper, believe it’s a mentality of community defense, not the guns themselves, that maintains low crime rates. "It doesn't matter if it's a gun or a fork or a fist; we protect ourselves and our neighbors," he remarked.
The law also garnered national attention upon its inception. Following Morton Grove, Illinois's gun ban, Kennesaw’s mandatory ownership stirred headlines, including a noteworthy Penthouse cover portraying the town as "Gun Town USA." While five other municipalities—such as Gun Barrel City, Texas, and Virgin, Utah—adopted similar laws, Ferris, a city council member since 1984, notes the law has largely faded from public consciousness.
As a lifelong resident born the same year the law was implemented, Weatherby recalls lessons taught by his father regarding gun ownership, underscoring a masculine identity tied to firearms. However, after hard times led him to sell his personal collection—including a treasured heirloom—his views became more nuanced.
The local gun shop, Deercreek Gun Shop, run by James Rabun and his family, thrives under the weight of the law. “People buy them for self-defense, but a lot of people like them as artwork or investment,” Rabun explained, showcasing an array of firearms from historic shotguns to modern handguns.
However, not all residents are proud of the legacy. Cris Welsh, a mother passionate about gun ownership for sport and defense, expressed embarrassment over the law. "There's so much more to Kennesaw," she argued, wishing for the spotlight to fall on community values rather than gun mandates.
City council member Madelyn Orochena encapsulated the sentiment: “It’s just a weird little factoid about our community.” For Kennesaw, navigating the interplay between tradition, pride, and the desire for a broader identity continues to be a complex endeavor in a town defined by an unusual legal heritage.
Mayor Derek Easterling, a self-described "retired Navy guy," is quick to clarify that this law isn’t about actively checking up on residents. "It's not like you go around wearing it on your hip like the Wild Wild West," he commented. The law aims to ensure the safety and general welfare of Kennesaw's residents; however, it has seldom been enforced, with zero known prosecutions since its enactment in 1982.
This ordinance, rooted deeply in political symbolism and community sentiment, has ambivalent fanfare among locals. For some, it reflects a steadfast commitment to gun culture and the belief that it keeps crime at bay. "If anything, criminals need to be concerned," mused patrons at a local pizza joint. In 2023, Kennesaw police reports noted no murders, although two tragic suicides involving firearms occurred.
Contrastingly, others like Blake Weatherby, a church groundskeeper, believe it’s a mentality of community defense, not the guns themselves, that maintains low crime rates. "It doesn't matter if it's a gun or a fork or a fist; we protect ourselves and our neighbors," he remarked.
The law also garnered national attention upon its inception. Following Morton Grove, Illinois's gun ban, Kennesaw’s mandatory ownership stirred headlines, including a noteworthy Penthouse cover portraying the town as "Gun Town USA." While five other municipalities—such as Gun Barrel City, Texas, and Virgin, Utah—adopted similar laws, Ferris, a city council member since 1984, notes the law has largely faded from public consciousness.
As a lifelong resident born the same year the law was implemented, Weatherby recalls lessons taught by his father regarding gun ownership, underscoring a masculine identity tied to firearms. However, after hard times led him to sell his personal collection—including a treasured heirloom—his views became more nuanced.
The local gun shop, Deercreek Gun Shop, run by James Rabun and his family, thrives under the weight of the law. “People buy them for self-defense, but a lot of people like them as artwork or investment,” Rabun explained, showcasing an array of firearms from historic shotguns to modern handguns.
However, not all residents are proud of the legacy. Cris Welsh, a mother passionate about gun ownership for sport and defense, expressed embarrassment over the law. "There's so much more to Kennesaw," she argued, wishing for the spotlight to fall on community values rather than gun mandates.
City council member Madelyn Orochena encapsulated the sentiment: “It’s just a weird little factoid about our community.” For Kennesaw, navigating the interplay between tradition, pride, and the desire for a broader identity continues to be a complex endeavor in a town defined by an unusual legal heritage.
