Tweet
Fire used to restore field at Appomattox historic site
By Staff Reports
Published: February 10, 2009
APPOMATTOX -- Firefighters are bringing a field at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park back to its historic state. The controlled fire yesterday burned away nonnative grass and brush on 25-acre Ferguson Field, which sits at the edge of the 1,750-acre national park. The fire was an attempt to restore the historic field to its 1860s state. If left alone, officials say the grass would give way to shrubs, then to pines and cedars, and eventually to hardwoods that would create a canopy that chokes out the other plants. Ferguson Field's exact use in 1865 isn't known but it was open land where troops had camped waiting for the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
-- Media General News Service
Online at: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/new...081004/202625/
By Staff Reports
Published: February 10, 2009
APPOMATTOX -- Firefighters are bringing a field at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park back to its historic state. The controlled fire yesterday burned away nonnative grass and brush on 25-acre Ferguson Field, which sits at the edge of the 1,750-acre national park. The fire was an attempt to restore the historic field to its 1860s state. If left alone, officials say the grass would give way to shrubs, then to pines and cedars, and eventually to hardwoods that would create a canopy that chokes out the other plants. Ferguson Field's exact use in 1865 isn't known but it was open land where troops had camped waiting for the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
-- Media General News Service
Online at: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/new...081004/202625/