Question of the Week: 2/26-3/4/18
Through the recent decades, battlefield preservation organizations have saved significant tracts of Civil War battlegrounds.
Is there a particular preservation effort that you think was most important? Why?
Through the recent decades, battlefield preservation organizations have saved significant tracts of Civil War battlegrounds.
Is there a particular preservation effort that you think was most important? Why?
I think it has to be Spring Hill and Franklin. The battlefield was almost entirely lost until local organizations and the Trust began their efforts. I visited the battlefield many years ago, and there was virtually nothing to see except for Winstead Hill.
I returned in 2017 with a tour group and was blown away with the transormation. And the process is ongoing.
As runner-up, how about similar efforts at Brandy Station!
I’m going to lump together the recent successes for the Seven Days battlefields at Glendale and Gaines’s Mill. When one looks at Atlanta and then at the degree to which Richmond seemed to be following in its stead, it is remarkable that so much of these fields and Malvern Hill have been rescued. I’d also like to slip in a word for the CWT’s efforts involving the AWI and the War of 1812.
Fort Donelson (byass the 36 Va. fought there )
Sackets Harbor NY (1812) so presine
The stepping stone Manassas Va and Annie Snyder
Slaughter Pen farm, part of the Fredericksburgh battlefield. The Civil War Trust took on an enormous financial responsibility to protect this entire farm. Having access to that part of the field makes a huge difference in understanding the battle. Prior to the access to Slaughter Pen Farm, the interpretation was from the Confederate side of the field only. Being able to walk the farm, and stand where the Union fought is almost as moving as walking Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. Frank O’Reilly, historian at Fredericksburgh, says that access enormously enriches his ability to educate about that phase of the battle.