Kennesaw: The Town Where Gun Ownership Is Mandatory

Kennesaw, Georgia, a quaint Southern town, is known for its charming atmosphere and a surprising law mandating gun ownership among residents. In the 1980s, a city ordinance was established requiring every head of household to maintain a firearm and ammunition. Local mayor Derek Easterling notes that the law, far from being symbolic, reflects a community belief that it enhances safety. While there have been no known prosecutions for violations since the law's inception, the sentiment among many residents is that such requirements deter crime.

The law originated as a counterpoint to a neighboring city that instituted a ban on gun ownership—a political statement amidst the ongoing nationwide debate over gun rights. Today, memory of the law has dimmed for some, with residents expressing pride in it, while others experience embarrassment. "It’s just an old Kennesaw thing to hang onto," says resident Cris Welsh, who is open about her gun ownership yet wishes the focus was on the town’s values rather than its unusual requirements.

In Kennesaw, the reality of life mingles with the bizarre charm of gun culture, creating a narrative that oscillates between pride in self-defense and a desire for community recognition detached from firearms.