Walmart has initiated another bushwhacking in the Wilderness
Published: January 27, 2010
Updated: January 27, 2010
A century ago, when memories of our tragic Civil War were still fresh and old soldiers visited the battlefields to reflect on lost comrades and life’s deeper meanings, one veteran wrote that “the spirits lingered on the fields and formed the shadow of a mighty presence.”
Years passed, reunions came and went; reports, photographs and old soldiers faded, but as Americans who cherish heritage know well — something stayed.
I find it ironic and saddening — in light of recent struggles to preserve the Wilderness battlefield and honor heroes on both sides — that Walmart is progressing with plans to erect yet another superstore complex on the northern edge of this historically significant field 12 miles west of Fredericksburg.
Aside from the certainty of greater traffic congestion and urbanization in still bucolic areas bordering the Wilderness along Route 3, irreplaceable loss and degradation to the area’s “historical environment,” the proposed Walmart will probably have unintended consequences.
How we honor our history as a nation, like our fallen dead, and the hallowed ground where they fought, speaks volumes about who we are as a people. In challenging times such as these, we must protect our treasured legacies and resist those forces that would accelerate our slide to into “historical amnesia” if left unchecked.
From the number of stores already in the area, it would appear Walmart believes its “Manifest Destiny” is to pave over the landscape at strategic intersections where research analysis indicates a potential growth market within 10 miles. But the company’s professed interest in local communities seems shallow when framed against this reality: Walmart seeks to build literally across the street from a national shrine.
Wilderness is not just another historic site. Arguably the largest and most horrific battle of the Civil War, with more than 160,000 total combatants (Gettysburg had 30,000 fewer), the Battle of the Wilderness (May 5-6, 1864) was also among the bloodiest with 29,000 casualties (killed, wounded and captured).
It marked the first direct contest between armies commanded by Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The fighting was desperate. Fires erupted and smoke obscured the lines amid the tangled underbrush. Many wounded were consumed, screaming in the inferno. Years later veterans would liken the struggle to Indian warfare — a “great bushwhacking in the woods.”
Although neither side gained clear advantage, the battle signalled a turning point. Wilderness marked the beginning of the long slog to Appromattox as Grant wheeled south toward Richmond after the battle instead of withdrawing as his predecessors in Union command had done in each of three earlier campaigns.
On behalf of all tourists, Civil War buffs yet unborn and fellow pilgrims of history, I sincerely hope Walmart will have the decency to shelve its proposed complex or move it elsewhere and avert another potential “bushwhacking in the Wilderness.”
It would be more than tragic if the last casualty of the Wilderness turned out to be the battlefield itself.
Hollis is director of the General Longstreet Recognition Project in Washington, D.C.
http://www2.starexponent.com/cse/news/opinion/columnists/article/walmart_has_initiated_another_bushwhacking_in_the_wilderness/51137/#
Friday, January 29, 2010
Independence Monument Proposed for South Carolina
Group proposing Secession monument in SC
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Sons of Confederate Veterans are proposing a monument commemorating the ordinance by which South Carolina seceded before the Civil War.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reported Thursday the group approached the Patriots Point Development Authority about putting the monument at the authority's naval and maritime museum on Charleston Harbor.
The proposed 11 1/2-foot stone memorial would include the wording of the ordinance and the names of the 170 signers. The monument would be placed at Patriots Point.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans' South Carolina division is proposing to install
a nearly 12-feet-tall stone memorial as the centerpiece of a 40-foot by 40-foot landscaped plaza at the state-owned tourist attraction.
Designed by Pelion artist Ron Clamp, the rectangular structure would be made from blue Georgia granite and would measure five-feet wide on each side.
The group plans to raise $160,000 and hopes to have the monument completed by December, the 150th anniversary of the signing.
The authority board says it needs more time to consider the idea and will consider it next month.
Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Sons of Confederate Veterans are proposing a monument commemorating the ordinance by which South Carolina seceded before the Civil War.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reported Thursday the group approached the Patriots Point Development Authority about putting the monument at the authority's naval and maritime museum on Charleston Harbor.
The proposed 11 1/2-foot stone memorial would include the wording of the ordinance and the names of the 170 signers. The monument would be placed at Patriots Point.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans' South Carolina division is proposing to install
a nearly 12-feet-tall stone memorial as the centerpiece of a 40-foot by 40-foot landscaped plaza at the state-owned tourist attraction.
Designed by Pelion artist Ron Clamp, the rectangular structure would be made from blue Georgia granite and would measure five-feet wide on each side.
The group plans to raise $160,000 and hopes to have the monument completed by December, the 150th anniversary of the signing.
The authority board says it needs more time to consider the idea and will consider it next month.
Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com
Saturday, January 23, 2010
South Carolina Government Short Changes Heritage
S.C. not spending on Civil War anniversary
By Brian Hicks - The (Charleston) Post and Courier
For the past few years, the state of Virginia has put up to $2 million annually into planning, programming and advertising for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Kentucky has put at least $1 million into its efforts, while Tennessee, Georgia and Arkansas are refurbishing historical markers, sprucing up battlefields and planning for the expected tourism bonanza.
But in South Carolina - where the war began and still permeates the landscape - state officials have put almost no money into events for the sesquicentennial. And even though the 150th anniversary of South Carolina's secession is less than a year away, that's not likely to change any time soon. Some people fear the state is going to miss out on some needed tourism dollars.
Secessionists may be honored
A group seeking to commemorate the 170 South Carolinians who signed the ordinance of secession nearly 150 years ago wants to place a monument to recognize the historic event on the grounds at Patriots Point.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans' South Carolina division is proposing to install a nearly 12-feet-tall stone memorial as the centerpiece of a 40-foot by 40-foot landscaped plaza at the state-owned tourist attraction.
Designed by Pelion artist Ron Clamp, the rectangular structure would be made from blue Georgia granite and would measure five-feet wide on each side.
Now, state and local officials are developing a plan to expand tourism in the Charleston area and want suggestions from the public. A hearing is being held Thursday at Santee Cooper headquarters in Moncks Corner.
"It's not about white or black, or blue or gray - it's about green," said Randy Burbage, South Carolina division commander for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. "I think we're missing out on a huge economic opportunity because of all the tourism."
Right now, there are conferences scheduled for December (the anniversary of secession) and April 2011 (the anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter). Heritage groups are planning re-enactments, commemorations and other programming. Many groups say other events are in the planning stage but are not ready to be announced.
Still, next to Virginia - which has produced a DVD documentary for school children - South Carolina's dance card seems a bit light.
"We're doing a lot with no money," said Robert Rosen, a member of the state's Sesquicentennial Advisory Board and president of the Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie Trust, which is planning Lowcountry events.
http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1253033.html?story_link=email_msg
By Brian Hicks - The (Charleston) Post and Courier
For the past few years, the state of Virginia has put up to $2 million annually into planning, programming and advertising for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Kentucky has put at least $1 million into its efforts, while Tennessee, Georgia and Arkansas are refurbishing historical markers, sprucing up battlefields and planning for the expected tourism bonanza.
But in South Carolina - where the war began and still permeates the landscape - state officials have put almost no money into events for the sesquicentennial. And even though the 150th anniversary of South Carolina's secession is less than a year away, that's not likely to change any time soon. Some people fear the state is going to miss out on some needed tourism dollars.
Secessionists may be honored
A group seeking to commemorate the 170 South Carolinians who signed the ordinance of secession nearly 150 years ago wants to place a monument to recognize the historic event on the grounds at Patriots Point.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans' South Carolina division is proposing to install a nearly 12-feet-tall stone memorial as the centerpiece of a 40-foot by 40-foot landscaped plaza at the state-owned tourist attraction.
Designed by Pelion artist Ron Clamp, the rectangular structure would be made from blue Georgia granite and would measure five-feet wide on each side.
Now, state and local officials are developing a plan to expand tourism in the Charleston area and want suggestions from the public. A hearing is being held Thursday at Santee Cooper headquarters in Moncks Corner.
"It's not about white or black, or blue or gray - it's about green," said Randy Burbage, South Carolina division commander for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. "I think we're missing out on a huge economic opportunity because of all the tourism."
Right now, there are conferences scheduled for December (the anniversary of secession) and April 2011 (the anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter). Heritage groups are planning re-enactments, commemorations and other programming. Many groups say other events are in the planning stage but are not ready to be announced.
Still, next to Virginia - which has produced a DVD documentary for school children - South Carolina's dance card seems a bit light.
"We're doing a lot with no money," said Robert Rosen, a member of the state's Sesquicentennial Advisory Board and president of the Fort Sumter/Fort Moultrie Trust, which is planning Lowcountry events.
http://www.thesunnews.com/news/local/story/1253033.html?story_link=email_msg
Confederate Hero Remembered In Little Rock
Crowd remembers Rebel Martyr
17-year-old Dodd, hanged in 1864, compared with Nathan Hale
By Charlie Frago
W. Danny Honnoll (right) leads a prayer Saturday at the grave of David O. Dodd, who was executed by Union troops for being a Confederate spy.
A 17-year-old boy hanged by Union troops for spying during the Civil War was a hero, a leader of the Sons of Confederate Veterans told a small crowd gathered Saturday in Little Rock’s Mount Holly Cemetery.
Mark Kalkbrenner of White Hall gave a brief speech about the legacy of David O. Dodd, the boy who was executed on Jan. 8, 1864, after being found with information on Union troop strength in Little Rock.
Dodd never gave up any names of other spies and his death was a brave one, said Kalkbrenner, commander of the Arkansas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Kalkbrenner compared Dodd’s actions with those of Nathan Hale, a Revolutionary War hero hanged for espionage ...
For the rest of the story see:
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/10/crowd-remembers-rebel-martyr-20100110/
17-year-old Dodd, hanged in 1864, compared with Nathan Hale
By Charlie Frago
W. Danny Honnoll (right) leads a prayer Saturday at the grave of David O. Dodd, who was executed by Union troops for being a Confederate spy.
A 17-year-old boy hanged by Union troops for spying during the Civil War was a hero, a leader of the Sons of Confederate Veterans told a small crowd gathered Saturday in Little Rock’s Mount Holly Cemetery.
Mark Kalkbrenner of White Hall gave a brief speech about the legacy of David O. Dodd, the boy who was executed on Jan. 8, 1864, after being found with information on Union troop strength in Little Rock.
Dodd never gave up any names of other spies and his death was a brave one, said Kalkbrenner, commander of the Arkansas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Kalkbrenner compared Dodd’s actions with those of Nathan Hale, a Revolutionary War hero hanged for espionage ...
For the rest of the story see:
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/10/crowd-remembers-rebel-martyr-20100110/
ANV Announces Scholarship
To Division Commanders of the Army of Northern Virginia:
I am pleased to announce that the ANV Russell Darden Scholarship Committee is ready to begin receiving essays for this years contest. The subject matter is "1860" - Prelude to War.
I am also pleased to announce that we have raised the scholarship to $2500. I hope this significant boost will spur more interest in our scholarship program. Please remember that applicants must follow the rules we have set out. Any deviation will result in disqualification.
Contact Brag Bowling at 1-804-389-3620 for a copy of the scholarship rules and guidelines and application form for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Army of Northern Virginia Russell Darden Scholarship in the amount of $2500.
Please give this scholarship email the widest possible distribution within your Divisions. It is important to cultivate young minds and also to promote the SCV. I think this scholarship is a great way of doing both.
Brag Bowling
Commander
Army of Northern Virginia
I am pleased to announce that the ANV Russell Darden Scholarship Committee is ready to begin receiving essays for this years contest. The subject matter is "1860" - Prelude to War.
I am also pleased to announce that we have raised the scholarship to $2500. I hope this significant boost will spur more interest in our scholarship program. Please remember that applicants must follow the rules we have set out. Any deviation will result in disqualification.
Contact Brag Bowling at 1-804-389-3620 for a copy of the scholarship rules and guidelines and application form for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Army of Northern Virginia Russell Darden Scholarship in the amount of $2500.
Please give this scholarship email the widest possible distribution within your Divisions. It is important to cultivate young minds and also to promote the SCV. I think this scholarship is a great way of doing both.
Brag Bowling
Commander
Army of Northern Virginia
S. D. Lee Institute - Nashville, TN Feb. 26-27
The Stephen Dill Lee Institute is taking reservations for the meeting on February 26-27 in Nashville. Please go to our website at www.StephenDLeeInstitute.com for Institute registration and hotel reservations.
Registrations are also being taken at SCV Headquarters at 1-800-My Dixie. Dont miss this unforgettable event. The Institute also has a limited number of scholarships for students and teachers.
For further information call Brag Bowling at 1-804-389-3620.
SCHEDULE FOR THE STEPHEN DILL LEE INSTITUTE
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27
SHERATON MUSIC CITY HOTEL
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
8:30 Opening ceremony
9am Kent Masterson Brown An Indissoluble Union
10am Brion McClanahan The Politically Incorrect History of the Founding Fathers
11am Marshall DeRosa The South Shall Rise Again: The New State Sovereignty Movement
Lunch
1:30 W. Kirk Wood The Truth About States Rights
2:30 Donald Livingston The Case for Secession
3:30 Question and Answer with all speakers
5:30pm Open cash bar reception
6:30 Banquet
Thomas DiLorenzo banquet speaker The South was Right (Again): The Implosion of the Yankee Empire
Registrations are also being taken at SCV Headquarters at 1-800-My Dixie. Dont miss this unforgettable event. The Institute also has a limited number of scholarships for students and teachers.
For further information call Brag Bowling at 1-804-389-3620.
SCHEDULE FOR THE STEPHEN DILL LEE INSTITUTE
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27
SHERATON MUSIC CITY HOTEL
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
8:30 Opening ceremony
9am Kent Masterson Brown An Indissoluble Union
10am Brion McClanahan The Politically Incorrect History of the Founding Fathers
11am Marshall DeRosa The South Shall Rise Again: The New State Sovereignty Movement
Lunch
1:30 W. Kirk Wood The Truth About States Rights
2:30 Donald Livingston The Case for Secession
3:30 Question and Answer with all speakers
5:30pm Open cash bar reception
6:30 Banquet
Thomas DiLorenzo banquet speaker The South was Right (Again): The Implosion of the Yankee Empire
Lee and Jackson Celebrated in New York City
New York City's Archibald Gracie Camp #985 honors Generals Lee and Jackson. Go to the the following link for a report on the event and to see the photos.
http://nycscv.org/nyc-lee-jackson-reception
http://nycscv.org/nyc-lee-jackson-reception
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