The US Town Where Owning a Gun Is the Law – And It’s Still in Effect!

Nestled in the heart of the American South, Kennesaw, Georgia, boasts all the charm of a classic small town. The scent of freshly baked biscuits drifts from Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery, and the rhythmic clatter of trains fills the air. Handwritten notes of gratitude from newlyweds adorn coffee shop counters, and the town exudes a cozy, welcoming vibe.

Yet, Kennesaw holds a distinction that often surprises outsiders—a local ordinance from the 1980s legally mandates that residents own a gun and ammunition.

“It’s not like we’re walking around with holsters like it’s the Wild West,” explains Derek Easterling, the town’s mayor and a retired Navy veteran. “We’re not going door-to-door checking if you’re armed.”

The law, introduced in 1982, states that every head of household within city limits is required to maintain a firearm and ammunition for the safety and welfare of the community. Exemptions apply to those with physical or mental disabilities, felony records, or religious objections.

Despite its seemingly strict language, the law has never been enforced. No resident has faced penalties for non-compliance, and local officials admit they don’t even know what those penalties would entail. However, Mayor Easterling insists the ordinance is more than a symbolic gesture. “This isn’t just for show,” he emphasizes.

A Source of Pride—or Embarrassment

For some, the law represents the town’s embrace of gun culture. Patrons at local eateries often argue that the ordinance deters crime. “If you’re a criminal, you have to think twice before breaking in here,” remarks a pizza shop customer.

Indeed, Kennesaw Police Department data shows zero murders in 2023, though there were two gun-related suicides. Others, however, see the town’s low crime rate as a reflection of the community’s ethos rather than the firearms themselves. “It’s the attitude, not the guns, that keeps crime down,” says Blake Weatherby, a groundskeeper at Kennesaw First Baptist Church.

Weatherby, who grew up in Kennesaw, recalls his father’s lighthearted take on the ordinance: “He used to say, ‘I don’t care if you hate guns—it’s the law.’” Though he once owned more than 20 firearms, Weatherby has since sold them all, often to make ends meet during tough times. “I needed gas more than I needed guns,” he reflects.

A Political Statement with Staying Power

The law was originally introduced as a response to Morton Grove, Illinois, which had become the first U.S. city to ban gun ownership. Kennesaw’s ordinance drew national attention, with headlines labeling the town “Gun Town USA.” Even Penthouse magazine featured the story, albeit with a sensationalized spin.

In the decades since, the ordinance has faded into the background for many residents. “I don’t think most people even know it’s a thing,” says Pat Ferris, who joined the city council shortly after the law’s passage.

More Than Guns

For Kennesaw’s gun shop owners, like James Rabun of Deercreek Gun Shop, the ordinance is good for business. “People buy firearms for protection, but also as collectibles,” he says, gesturing to the shop’s array of vintage rifles and muskets.

However, not everyone sees the law as a point of pride. Cris Welsh, a mother and avid gun owner, says the ordinance feels outdated. “There’s so much more to Kennesaw—our schools, parks, and values. I wish people would focus on that instead.”

City council member Madelyn Orochena agrees. “It’s just a quirky part of our history. Most of us roll our eyes or chuckle when it comes up,” she says.

Despite differing opinions, one thing is clear: Kennesaw is far more than its unique gun law. From its close-knit community to its rich Southern charm, this Georgia town continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.