Posted on 08/01/2002 5:49:27 AM PDT by A2J
Civil War battle site endangered
Given the rapid suburbanization of America in the past few years, we probably should be grateful that there are any historic sites left. Sprawling urban growth, though, has become a serious threat to some of the historic places crowded along the Eastern seaboard, particularly Civil War battlefields. The Manassas battlefield, site of two great Confederate victories, survived after preservationists and historians rallied to its protection. The defense of the battlefield, given the political clout of the development community, was -- no pun intended -- heroic.
Now, another historic battlefield is in danger.
A company seeks to rezone 800 acres of agricultural land where the Battle of Chancellorsville was fought, for a "planned community" of 2,300 homes. The development would have more than 2 million square feet of commercial space. Only 34 acres would be set aside for a battlefield park.
Preservation groups, including the Civil War Preservation Trust and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, believe the park plan is not enough, and they are fighting the rezoning.
We hope they are successful.
Chancellorsville was the place where, in May 1863, Gen. Robert E. Lee faced a Union army twice as large as his own. In an audacious move, he divided his army into three parts and executed a brilliant attack that routed the enemy. The victory -- one of the most complete against great odds -- was marred by the death from friendly fire of Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson.
This historic battlefield is part of America's history, and its military lessons still are studied the world over. Yet the sprawling Washington, D.C., suburbs might execute a more successful invasion than that of the Union Army.
Patrick Goldring stated that one of the differences between us and animals is that we have a continuity with the past.
Anyone who cares about this country would want to preserve its scenic areas and historical sites.
I still remember how my parents took me to Gettysburg as a child. Even at a young age, I understood that it was a very special site. To think that future generations will go to these historic battlefields and see condos and shopping malls (shudder).
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