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Groundbreaking ends The Confederates won the battle but businessman David it slowed and weakened Early's LeVan. 60-year struggle for forces enough to prevent them from Calls to a spokeswoman and attorney permanent visitors capturing the capital city a day later. for the investment group were not Congress authorized the national returned late Tuesday. center at Monocacy park in 1934 but it took another 32 In brief floor remarks, Maitland said By DAVID DISHNEAU, Herald- years before any funds were "the vast majority of my constituents Mail.com appropriated for land acquisition. don't want a slots parlor in our FREDERICK, Md. – March 26, 2006 The park opened to the public in county." There was no other debate The "battle that saved Washington" 1991, with exhibits housed in a on his amendment. lasted just one day, but it took 60 temporary visitor center in the The House vote is the latest round in years for Congress to fund a Gambrill Mill, a 160-year-old building a slots debate that has attracted permanent visitor center for the Civil in the river's 100-year flood plain. national attention, and it could lay the War site. Congress appropriated funds for the groundwork for months of legislative The National Park Service and new visitor center in 2004. maneuvering over Gettysburg-area elected officials broke ground Friday Former U.S. Rep. Beverly Byron, a slots. for the structure at the Monocacy Maryland Democrat, fought alongside Critics say the Crossroads plan would National Battlefield, 1,647 hallowed Sarbanes to get money for the park hurt the area's historical tourism acres bisected by Interstate 270 and that her father-in-law, William D. industry and disrespect the soldiers surrounded by commercial and Byron, helped establish during his who died there, while the investors residential development. The barn- congressional tenure. claim it would boost the Gettysburg shaped building, slated to open next "It's been a long time coming," she economy with jobs and tax revenue. spring, will offer a wealth of said. If Maitland's amendment does not information about the clash on July become law, the decision on the 19, 1864, that marked the PA House OKs ban on Crossroads plan would be left to the Confederacy's last campaign to carry state Gaming Control Board. The the war into the North. slots in Gettysburg seven-member board should decide Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, D-MD., said By RICHARD FELLINGER, Public by next year who gets slots licenses, the ceremony "sets the stage for Opinion, Harrisburg Bureau, March and other proposals are in the people from all over the country and 16, 2006 Poconos, Lehigh Valley and indeed all over the world to see HARRISBURG — The House backed suburban Philadelphia. firsthand one of the small but pivotal an effort to stop a Gettysburg-area battle sites of the Civil War." slots parlor Tuesday night, approving Exhibits at the $3.5 million center will an amendment to the 2004 slots law Group seeks $1 million focus on phases of the battle that that would ban any stand-alone to preserve occurred when 6,000 Federal troops casinos in Adams County. led by Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace Rep. Stephen Maitland, R- Shepherdstown Civil engaged about 15,000 Confederate Gettysburg, sponsored the War battlefield troops intent on capturing amendment that passed by a vote of Shepherdstown, W.VA, Associated Washington, about 40 miles away. 199-0. Press, March 11, 2006 The Confederates were led by Lt. It was attached to an omnibus The Eastern Panhandle of West Gen. Jubal A. Early. package of changes to the slots that Virginia's explosive growth is The battle bought a 24-hour delay of now heads to the Senate, where the threatening a Civil War battlefield and the Confederate advance at a cost of fate of the Gettysburg-area ban is a group dedicated to preserving the 1,436 combined casualties. The uncertain. site is seeking $1 million to help fend Union dead numbered 123, with 603 Maitland's effort is meant to block the off development. wounded. The Confederates suffered Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa, The Shepherdstown Battlefield as many as 275 dead, with 435 proposed at U.S. routes 30 and 15 by Preservation Association asked the wounded. a group of investors led by Jefferson County Commission for the

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THE “OLD LINER” NEWSLETTER money, saying the battlefield is the worst act of vandalism at resolution urging Congress to pony among the nation's 10 most at-risk Gettysburg National Military Park in up money for restoration. Civil War battle sites. recent memory, the 120-year-old, life- "I cried tears over this," said Jean About 300 acres, or half of the site, size bronze of a soldier from a Siderio, a former Bucks County remains in relatively pristine condition Philadelphia unit was back home. resident now living in Gettysburg and and can be preserved. The remainder "I was relieved," Vic Gavin, chief of a descendant of a member of the "has been lost to real estate the park's monument preservation 114th Pennsylvania. The Zouave unit, development," said association branch, said later. "We put a lot of known for its brightly colored, North president Edward Dunleavy. work into it and dropped a lot of other African-style uniforms, modeled itself Jefferson County is one of the state's things." after the French colonial army units fastest growing counties as people The monument - one of 1,300 at the that fought for control of Algeria in the from the Baltimore-Washington area park - honors the 114th Pennsylvania 1830s. move into West Virginia. The money Volunteer Infantry, the flamboyantly Some watching the return of the would help the group purchase dressed Zouave unit commanded by repaired statue Thursday blamed the conservation easements on privately Capt. Charles H.T. Collis of vandalism on what they see as an owned land, Dunleavy said. Philadelphia. erosion of respect for the nation's The property, also known as Boteler's It was the first monument repaired historical treasures. Ford, was the site of a battle fought after a particularly destructive attack "This generation no longer cares Sept. 19-20, 1862, about one mile Feb. 15 that caused up to $65,000 in about our past," said Bill Hartley, a east of Shepherdstown. Confederate damage to three of the park's oldest Civil War reenactor from Baltimore troops were attacked after they had statues. whose great-great grandfather fought retreated across the Potomac River Vandals scaled them, tied each to a at Gettysburg. "I was brought up to following the Battle of Antietam in vehicle and drove off, ripping them treat things like statues with high Maryland. from their pedestals. esteem." Dunleavy said it is hoped that the A bronze statue of a soldier honoring People were probably saying National Park Service, which runs the the Fourth New York Battery, which something similar in 1913, when nearby Harpers Ferry National fought at Devil's Den in the 1863 sledge-wielding vandals attacked Historical Park, would eventually own battle, was dragged 160 feet. The nine Gettysburg monuments. One and manage the property. head from the 700-pound figure broke irate Philadelphian wrote to the park County commissioners did not off and was stolen, as was a cannon superintendent at the time, urging him immediately indicate if they would ramrod the figure was holding. to "secure the maniac who injured the grant the request. A stone-and-bronze sculpture monuments." He added, "Unless he commemorating the 11th was insane, a rope's end would be The wounded soldier Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the proper thing for him." which defended the Union line north And there have been other acts of returns to his pedestal of the Peach Orchard, was broken destruction over the years. A pacifist Uncivil vandalism repaired at into pieces. Taken were a stone cult in the 1990s traveled to Civil War Gettysburg forearm and hand, and a bronze battlefields around the country, By Amy Worden, Philadelphia sword. including Gettysburg, pouring hot oil Inquirer "It was obviously thought out, doing on the monuments. There has been GETTYSBURG, Pa. – March 13, damage to three monuments like the occasional paintball splatter to 2006 - With a small crowd - and one that," said Tim Sorber, supervisory remove or a plaque lost to a souvenir nervous art conservator - watching, a law enforcement officer for the park. hunter. crane operator gently lifted his cargo News of the incident spread quickly. Because the monuments are more from a truck, swung it under the old From around the country, the Civil than 100 years old, anyone convicted chestnut trees, and set it back atop its War faithful responded by sending in the most recent incident will face perch overlooking the Peach Orchard checks to the U.S. Park Service to felony charges that carry a 10-year battlefield. help fund repairs. Two Pennsylvania prison term under the Archeological After more than 100 hours of state senators have introduced a Resources Protection Act. mending gouges and scrapes from

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Park rangers believe that February's now called the Schmucker House, home for the entire seminary, except vandalism was a random act because and the Historical the two professors’ homes. it was too destructive for a relic Preservation Foundation, an During the , it hunter's heist. organization founded in 1999 to was one of three buildings on "What they took was worthless. It's preserve and educate the public Seminary Avenue, flanked to the to either a mindless or drunken prank," about Civil War properties along the south by the home, built in 1833, said Vic Gavin, chief of the park's Seminary Ridge. of the Rev. Samuel Schmucker, and monument preservation branch. “Every day, practically, somebody to the north by the home, built in Investigators are stumped because knocks on the door wanting to go up 1834, of professor Charles P. Krauth. there is no physical evidence and no there,” said ACHS director Wayne From July through September 1863, it witnesses. They hope someone Motts. “It has never been open to surrendered it’s role as an recognizes the statue parts and turns visitors.” educational center, and served as a in the culprits to claim a $36,000 From four stories above the highest hospital for 600 wounded soldiers of reward. hill in Gettysburg, and at least a full both sides. Initially, a house steward, While it could be a year or more story above the tops of surrounding Mary Ziegler, contributed a piece of before the other two vandalized trees, the cupola gained its place in her red petticoat to hang from the statues are repaired, the informal history as the observation post from cupola, marking the building as a ceremony for the restored which Brig. Gen. John Buford hospital until an official hospital flag, Pennsylvania monument was a reported to Gen. John Reynolds on yellow with a green H, could be hung. moment to celebrate. Jean Siderio the progress of the Rebels’ advance. planted a small American flag at the “How’s it going, John,” Reynolds base of the pedestal. reportedly shouted up from where he Hartley gazed at the newly polished was seated on his horse. bronze statue and said, "It's a “The devil’s to pay,” Buford beautiful thing." responded. The beloved Zouave soldier, with his The building is one of the three most handlebar moustache, baggy pants photographed structures in post-Civil and collarless jacket, was back, War Gettysburg. The other two are posed in rakish profile, surveying the the gatehouse at Evergreen Peach Orchard - everyone hoped - Cemetery, and Pennsylvania Hall — for all time. the main building at Gettysburg College. BEST VIEW IN The cornerstone for the Old Dorm was laid in 1831, beginning Lutheran Seminary building Cupola. Photo courtesy sscnet.ucla.edu GETTYSBURG construction of a design by Historical society to offer first-ever Chambersburg Architect Nicolas cupola tour April 22 Pierce. When is was completed the Preservation Plan Brings By JOHN MESSEDER - Gettysburg following year, at a cost of $8,726.95, Together CWPT, Times – March 14, 2006 it became the centerpiece of the The Old Dorm cupola, from which Lutheran Theological Seminary, Reenactors Brig. Gen. John Buford watched initially about 20 acres purchased for March12, 2006-CWi- To acknowledge Confederate forces enter Gettysburg $1,166.15 from William McClean and the invaluable contribution of July 1, 1863, will be open to tours Samuel H. Buehler. reenactors to battlefield preservation, next month for the first time in nearly It became the dormitory and the Civil War Preservation Trust a century. The first-come-first-served, scholastic hall for the Lutheran (CWPT) has joined with some of the reservations required event will be Theological Seminary, which moved most dedicated and preservation- offered April 22. from its starting location on South minded living historians in the nation The event is cosponsored by the Washington Street. In fact, it was to create the Civil War Reenactor Adams County Historical Society, Advisory Council. The new Advisory which makes its home in the building, Council will reach out to all segments

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THE “OLD LINER” NEWSLETTER of the battlefield protection movement raised more than $10,000!” campaign to preserve the historic and bring them together to increase Lighthizer expressed his appreciation Slaughter Pen Farm, a key part of the the preservation presence at for the contributions that reenactors Fredericksburg battlefield. The 205- threatened Civil War sites across the have already made to CWPT and its acre farm, known locally as the nation. mission to save Civil War sites. He Pierson Tract, was the scene of To create the Advisory Council, said: “Time and experience have bloody struggle on December 13, CWPT is partnering with Mike proven that the crusade to preserve 1862. Historians estimate that more Chapman of Arlington, Va. and Doug historic sites associated with the Civil than 5,000 casualties were incurred Cooper of Boise, Idaho – two War is an uphill battle, but one that on the property. reenactors who have consistently can be won through dedication and “This is the most ambitious nonprofit worked to further the battlefield hard work. With the help of the living battlefield acquisition in American preservation cause. As a result of history community, CWPT can history,” remarked CWPT President their efforts, their reenactment units, achieve even more success.” James Lighthizer. “The veterans the Stonewall Brigade In making the announcement, themselves referred to the farm as (headquartered in the mid-Atlantic Lighthizer also recognized the ‘the slaughter pen’ because of the region) and Chaps Pacific Northwest immense contribution of the late enormous amount of blood that was Living History Group (headquartered historian and author Brian Pohanka shed there. Despite the price tag, we in the mid-West) were the 2005 (a member of the Duryee’s Zouave simply could not sit idly by and watch recipients of the CWPT Reenactment reenactment unit), whose work and this irreplaceable battleground Unit of the Year Award. vision, he said, “is carried forward by become an industrial park. We will CWPT President James Lighthizer the many living historians invited to raise the money needed to save this said that he expects the Advisory join in the Council’s important historic treasure – because we must.” Council to play a vital role in the mission.” Historians agree with Lighthizer’s Trust’s preservation efforts. In Anyone interested in participating in assessment that preserving the outlining his vision for the new the Civil War Reenactor Advisory Slaughter Pen Farm should be a Advisory Council, Lighthizer said: Council is encouraged to contact national priority. According to Ed Cooper supported Lighthizer’s Mike Chapman at Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus of enthusiasm. “The Advisory Council [email protected] or Doug the National Park Service, the farm is hopes to serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ Cooper at [email protected]. “without a doubt the most significant of CWPT, alerting them to possible With 75,000 members, CWPT is the part of the battlefield at preservation issues at the local level. largest nonprofit battlefield Fredericksburg that is not protected. We will be vigilant in our monitoring of preservation organization in the Its acquisition will provide an the potential development and sale of United States. Its mission is to opportunity to permit visitors to walk battlefield land. And we will do our preserve our country’s remaining Civil in the footsteps of history.” Historian utmost to help raise money to rescue War battlefields. Since 1987, the Frank O’Reilly, the author of The endangered hallowed ground.” organization has saved more than Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter CWPT intends to coordinate with the 22,300 acres of hallowed ground War on the Rappahannock, calls the Advisory Council to ensure reenactor nationwide. CWPT’s website is Slaughter Pen Farm “the very heart resources are targeted toward the located at www.civilwar.org. and soul of the Fredericksburg most timely battlefield preservation Battlefield. This is the point where efforts. CWPT Launches Plan to the battle was won and lost.” Chapman hailed the creation of the The Slaughter Pen Farm is the Council when he said: “The Save Fredericksburg's largest remaining unprotected part of Reenactor Advisory Council plans to "Slaughter Pen" the Fredericksburg Battlefield. It is help organize more living history March 29, 2006 –Courtesy CWi- The also the only place on the battlefield events on CWPT land in the future. Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), where a visitor can still follow the Last year, we held a small, authentic, America’s largest nonprofit battlefield Union assault on that bloody day from preservation-oriented event on preservation group, today announced beginning to end. Nearly all the other CWPT’s property at Mine Run that the beginning of a $12 million national land associated with Union attacks at

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Fredericksburg – either on the comprehensive knowledge of the Government grants will be leveraged southern end of the battlefield or in area, and the wherewithal to move with private sector donations from front of Marye’s Heights – has been quickly to take the property off the CWPT members, corporations and destroyed by development. market. Tricord and CWPT have an other conservation groups. “This is our last chance to save an agreement that turns the Slaughter According to Lighthizer, “we irreplaceable portion of the Pen Farm over to CWPT to be anticipate an unprecedented Fredericksburg Battlefield,” stated preserved in its entirety – no strings response for this fundraising effort Central Virginia Battlefields Trust attached. from our members and all those who (CVBT) President Mike Stevens. “Tricord has once again shown itself care about this great nation.” “Standing on that last unblemished to be an exceptionally community- landscape, where so many men gave minded corporation,” Lighthizer Maryland's last son of their lives on a cold winter day, it is stated. “They gave of their time and clear that such sacrifice and valor talents to secure this property, Confederate veteran must be preserved to inspire future without any benefit other than the honored generations.” Stevens also noted satisfaction that they were helping to LAVALE, Md., WAVY.com, March 7, that CVBT intends to play a key role save hallowed ground.” Stevens also 2006 - An Allegany County man in the campaign to save the Slaughter lauded Tricord, noting: “Tricord reputed to be Maryland's last living Pen Farm. deserves praise for allowing love for son of a Confederate veteran has For years, the fate of the Slaughter this community to guide their been honored by the local Civil War Pen Farm has hung in the balance. decisions; who, simply put, did an Roundtable. The farm is located along historic honorable and noble thing in helping Eighty-five-year-old Albert Comer Tidewater Trail (U.S. Route 2), which to make this all possible.” says he's used to people responding has witnessed tremendous industrial Russ Smith, Superintendent of with disbelief when he tells them his and commercial growth in recent Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania father was a Civil War soldier. years. The property is zoned for National Military Park, also expressed But the Sons of Confederate industrial use, and is immediately enthusiasm for a cooperative effort to Veterans organization says it has adjacent to a major north-south rail save the Slaughter Pen Farm: “We verified that Comer is the son of line, making it extremely attractive to view this as a rebirth of the James Comer, who joined the developers. When the property was Fredericksburg battlefield. Confederate army in 1861 at age 14 put on the market in December 2005, Preservationists had long ago given in Virginia. Albert is the youngest the listing agent described it as “one up on maintaining a vista from Union child of James Comer's second wife. of the best industrial sites in the to Confederate lines, but CWPT and He was honored last week at a Commonwealth of Virginia.” “Under Tricord have given this historic ceremony that included his induction the circumstances, preservation of landscape a second chance.” into a Sons of Confederate Veterans the farm seemed a long shot at best,” In April 2005, CWPT presented chapter based in Moorefield, West noted Lighthizer. Tricord, Inc. with its Shelby Foote Virginia. Once the Slaughter Pen Farm was Preservation Legacy Award, for its placed on the market, role in saving the First Day of preservationists were in a race Chancellorsville site. During its May against time. Fortunately, CWPT was 2005 annual conference in able to secure the assistance of Fredericksburg, CVBT presented Tricord, Inc., a local family-owned Tricord with a similar honor. development company that had Reaching the $12 million goal for the previously cooperated with Slaughter Pen Farm campaign is not preservationists to save the 140-acre going to be easy. CWPT intends to First Day of Chancellorsville work with federal, state and local Battlefield (formerly known as the government officials to secure Mullins Farm). Tricord brought to the matching grants to help pay for table financial resources, a acquisition of the property.

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