Port Republic and Cross Keys golf course

[Skeet]

Pards, I was travelling on Cross keys this evening to check out the expansion of the brand new golf course. It seems that not only is there a another golf course, but a brand new sub-division. Our battlefields are slowly going away, at this point I would love to see a wetland! We seem to get caught up in the little areas of preservation and miss the bigger picture. This land is being taken over by developers who could care less of something that happened a 140 years ago! This area is slowly going to disappear forever and that's the end of the battlefield. So, We can argue over interpetation of Manassas(picnic tables, port-o-johns, kids flying kites). I would rather see that then a golf course and ASHBY'S DEATH SUB-DIVISION. Let's pick our battles wisely and truly preserve the battlefields. Respectfully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)

[FC Barlow]

Not to beat a dead horse - again...

But Dan, these are two separate and entirely different preservation issues. Both of which are important. The situation at Cross Keys, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, etc. and elsewhere entail saving/buying lands from the developer's bulldozer - probably the more important of the two and the first step to saving historic property.

The second situation is how to correctly interpret the land and resources once we have them so future generations can enjoy them. Lets not confuse these two very essential points.

Doesn't make much sense to buy the endangerd land at Cross Keys and then do something to it that would destroy its integrity - like purposely turning it into a swamp or paving it over for a parking area for visitors.

[Dignann]

at this point I would love to see a wetland!

Dan,

If the land cannot be preserved as a battlefield, then yes, the least instrusive use is desired, such as perhaps a wetland. Many protected battlefields accept/encourage use of lands on their boundaries (if it cannot be saved) that will have the least impact on the preserved areas -- wetlands, cemeteries, even golf courses. All of these uses preserve some green space and produce very little traffic and noise. In some areas, even industrial use is acceptable because of it's low traffic impact. Pretty much anything is better than residential.

You're right, we do need to pick our preservation battles, but we also need to keep an eye on how those areas that have been preserved are used and interpreted.

Thanks for making us aware of the activities near Cross Keys!

Eric

[Skeet]

Todd, I understand where your coming from. But, I simply think that any way we can preserve the land from developers is a victory. It's been said we need to preserve the land first. It's much easier to remove a picnic table then it is a Wal-Mart. You should come out here to see first hand the expansion and at an alarming rate. I live in one of the fastest growing areas in the state of VA. The fight is with corporation who most of the time have bigger and deeper pockets then we do. I still say to preserve the land as natural as possible is much better then another housing development. If we don't grab what we get, interpeting will be the least of our worries. Respectfully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)

[FC Barlow]

Dan:

I'm not disagreeing with you on that point. Heck, I think the entire State of Virginia should be deemed a national historic park, but that won't happen. Groups like CVBT and CWPT should be moving to protect these places but its almost impossible to get everything.

As for urban sprawl and development, I know all about it my friend. I live in northern Virginia - I think this area invented it. I've been involved in preservation issues affecting Manassas and the Fredericksburg parks for years and thankfully some land has been saved, like the Davis Tract at Manassas, the Hamilton Thicket at Wilderness and some key ground along the Po River at Spotsylvania, but there is always another fight.

But lets not confuse the two issues. Yes, of couse, we need to be watchful of land that becomes available so groups like CWPT can purchase it but we also need to eventually protect and interpret that land too - I'm assisting with the interpretation of the recently acquired Bristoe Station site right now and making sure it does't become a dog-walking park. Two distinct issues - save what we can now, protect and interpret later.

[Skeet]

Todd, Bully for your work! The issues are very different in nature. I believe we look at the situation from different angles. Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)

[Staunton Rebel]

Skeet,
Thank you for bring the plight of the Port Republic & Cross Keys battlefields to light. I feel often times the upper valley is forgotten in the preservation fight. Left to small preservation groups and concerned citizens. Our group has been working with the town of Port Republic to help keep it from develpoing too much. What shames me is that the town of Staunton, Va. is neglecting it's rich Civil War history. There is only one marker in Staunton that notes where the train station is and it's signifigance. This is a sad commentary in my town. One of the most signifigant towns in the former Confederacy is going to waste. Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox now. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

[Skeet]

I couldn't agree with you more about Staunton. I feel it's easier to work on the local level in preservation work. Go public to bring attention to your area! Bully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)