[RebelBanker]

The battle of Gettysburg took place in what was already a city. The battlefield itself has been kept free of encroaching commercialism, but even doing THAT requires a substantial amount of development: The crowds are so large that just allowing random meandering would devestate the site. But there are no McDonalds or anything of the like on the battlefields. That said, being that the battle took place in a city, there is naturally going to be commerce in that city, and since the crowds are so large, a fair amount of that commerce is going to cater to the crowds. But I suppose all you Southern "real Americans" *snicker* would rather that all be done socialistically.

Are you at all familiar with Gettysburg? The development down Steinwehr Avenue is such that there is a McDonalds well within the area covered by Lonsgtreet's Assault. According to contemporary maps, Gettysburg was a small town in 1863. It has done a lot of growing, as have most small towns, which presents a real challenge for historical preservation. Many people, Northern and Southern, would like to have at least a little bit of our history preserved. Personally, I happen to prefer the methods applied by the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation over the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Deo Vindice!

[Atlanta]

Personally, I'd like to thank Gen. Sherman and the Union Army for burning my city to the ground. Nothing left. Because now, we have a brand new city, with one of the strongest regional economies in the country. My wife is from Pittsburgh. When I first went to PB, it was only then that I realized what a favor Gen. Sherman did for us....
I went to Gettysburg 3 years ago. I was overwhelmed with pride and sadness. The people I know from the North are very good, hardworking people. But they will never understand the visceral feelings we have about the conflict.