More Endangered Battlefields

Another battlefield has been added to the annual list of ten of the nation's most endangered. Picacho Peak in Arizona, where cavalry clashed 150 years ago, is in danger of becoming extinct because of state budget cuts. The park was slated to close on June 3, but fortunately, was saved by local funding for another year.

Picacho Peak is where, on April 12, 1862, Lt. James Barrett led Union troopers to this rocky spire located 50 miles northwest of Tuscon. There a skirmish took place with Confederate Rangers. As a result, Barrett was killed, the Federals retreated, and Yankees from California eventually came in to conquer the reigning Rebels.

Other endangered battlefields on the list compiled by the Civil War Preservation Trust include:
- Camp Allegheny in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This is in danger because of a wind farm being built nearby.
- Gettysburg is again on the list because of a second attempt to bring in casino gambling.
- Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia. Another repeated appearance on the list due to Wal-Mart's attempt to move in.
- Pickett's Mill, GA. Faces funding cuts and was damaged by flooding last year.
- Fort Stevens, Washington, D.C. A proposed church community center would tower over the fort.
- Cedar Creek, VA. Mining expansions that will potentially eat up 400 acres.
- Richmond, KY. A new highway interchange with significant commercial growth.
- South Mountain, MD. An energy plant development.
- Thoroughfare Gap, VA. Possible construction of a 150-foot communications tower.

The CWPT calls its list, "History Under Siege," highlighting threats to what the trust calls "tangible links to our shared history." There are also 15 "at risk" sites on the list.

Portion of Wilderness Battlefield Up For Sale

A few weeks ago, Wal-Mart won voters' support by securing a portion of the Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia to build a new super center. Much protest came from local politicians, historians, and celebrities. Now 93 acres are being offered to the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust (CVBT) for purchase. This parcel of land is about one mile from the proposed Wal-Mart site.

According to CVBT President Erik F. Nelson, the contract is drawn up, the price is locked in (at $10,000 an acre, for a total of $930,000), and the closing date should take place within the year. The group plans to do fund-raising to help cover the cost of the down payment on the mortgage. State grants might also become available.

Talks have been in the works for several years, but the land owners finally decided to come to an agreement and make a deal after what happened with Wal-Mart. They are in favor of having the land saved, rather than being built upon. This is a huge victory for battlefield preservation, in that the land will now be unavailable for commercial and residential use.

Another Victory for Walmart (and a Defeat for Civil War Enthusiasts)

Last week, a final approval was passed to build a new Walmart near the entrance of the Wilderness Battlefield in Orange County, Virginia. In a 4-1 vote, officials decided to grant a special permit after a majority of more than 100 speakers rallied in favor of the Supercenter. Regardless of protest from historians, Civil War buffs, and preservationists, supervisors reasoned that they couldn't see a threat, because there is no visual impact to the battlefield. Construction is scheduled to start in a year.

The majority of the Civil War's largest and most significant battles took place in Virginia. At the Battle of the Wilderness 145 years ago, Generals Lee and Grant opposed each other for the first time. Approximately 145,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought, with over 29,000 casualties. Only one-fourth of the Wilderness Battlefield is currently protected. Walmart reasons that it is building in an area zoned for commercial use. Locals claim that a new store will provide jobs, tax revenue, and affordable shopping for the 32,000 residents living there.

Protesters included Ken Burns, Robert Duvall (who claims to be a descendant of General Lee), Virginia's governor, and two congressmen. Last year, the Commonwealth of Virginia appropriated $5.2 million for the preservation of its battlefields. Virginia is committed to protecting and safeguarding her Civil War battlefields. But unfortunately, local response outweighed the desire for historical preservation. Sadly, this may not be the last time such an atrocity occurs.