Cross Keys and Port Republic war!

[Skeet]

Pards, I sit here writting on my computer, surrounded by land where hundreds died. They died literally in our back yard! The CWPT has come out with nominations for the most endangered batllefields. I am disappointed by the statement that the CWPT has said in regards to Cross Keys/Port Republic. They said it's not in threat of development! We own 3 acreas of battlefield land and my wife's father owns over a hundred. Let me say to the CWPT come out here and see for yourself the development of Cross Keys landing housing development. I've talked to Howard Kittell about this area and he said the number one problem is "land owners don't trust outsiders". I know these people and they are getting older. They have left their land to their children. Their children could care less about the historical value of the land. When these people pass on they will leave the land to their children. You know what that means! We have roots here that are disappearing. I say to everyone here to nominate Cross Keys/Port Republic as one of the most endangered battlefields! Repectfully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)

[Charles Heath]

Dan,

So what are you doing about this on a local level? Preservation and local politics go hand in hand, and there is an old saying "all politics are local."

"Outsiders" and "come heres" are at a disadvantage at times, and you seem to be in a good position to work with the current landowners. If no preservation group currently exists locally, then feel free to start something, but first check the existing groups already working hard in I-81 corridor. The good news is, you aren't alone in this struggle.

Charles Heath

[Skeet]

Charles, There is a grass roots effort here to work with the Port Republic preservation commitee. We are going to secure as much of the land as possible. Thanks for the words of encouragement! As an end note we are buying our house here on Port Republic, at least we will have bought part of the battlefield ourselves. Thanks for the words of encouragement! Respectfully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)