Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

[Busterbuttonboy]

A Call to Arms

In light of recent events in Orange County I hope this finds everyone willing to step up. While recently researching property in Williamsburg for an interpretive walking tour I stumbled across 331 acres of CORE battlefield area which are slated for development. This property is confirmed by the American Battlefield Protection Program, CWSAC as core battlefield area. Engaged here;

CS; 8,9,10 Alabama. 19th Mississippi. 1,7,8,11,19th Virginia. 14th Louisiana.

Us; 70,71,72,73 New York. 6,7, 8th New Jersey. And other elements to be determined.

Forces Engaged: 72,591 total (US 40,768;CS 31,823)
Estimated Casualties: 3,843 total (US 2,283; CS 1,560)

The property is on the right of Longstreet’s line wherein the Federal attack under Heintzelman, Hooker, and Kearny fails and is counter attacked by Longstreet, Anderson, and Wilcox. There were 3 major portions of fighting on that rainy day this being one of the most pristine pieces of property left.

It currently abuts a Williamsburg park which has preserved the original redoubts. The land is wooded and relatively untouched.

Here is the deal: On September 16, 2009, the Williamsburg planning commission (yeah, talk about timing) meets to talk about the proposed development. At this moment the little information which I could get said a hospital (there is one 6 miles from the site) assisted living home (there are 9 near the site) as well as apartments, single family homes, and commercial development are slated to take up the two parcels of land.

In October, a public meeting will be held and sometime thereafter the Council and hopefully another meeting will decide on whether or not to allow the development of this parcel of land.

In light of the recent negative developments in Orange County but with the positive events of preservation of battlefields throughout the country, I believe there is a lot of inertia for Preservation and sympathy for our battlefields and cultural resources. I have already placed calls already to the Civil War Preservation Trust, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. It is my intention to provide the interested people here with the contact information for the supervisors and planning commission so that we as a community can voice our frustration with the plan before it gets to far along in the planning process. As we have learned, we must be at the forefront of the planning process. Both an e-mail and letter writing campaign for those far away would be very beneficial as well as those interested in writing editorials. Lastly, if it is possible, I would hope to see a group of concerned and education preservationists and Civil War enthusiasts attend the public meetings to express our concerns.

As a community, we are in perfect shape to stop this dead in the tracks. We are coming off a major nationality publicized preservation issue. This issue is in its infancy not at an advanced stage. I believe that if we push early we may see the long lasting results in our favor.

Please PM me with your valid e-mail address, location, interest and or phone number.

Most Respectfully

Drew A Gruber

[TGreene]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

I work at a local historic house museum and was involved in the ceremony that officially opened the park with the redoubts that you mentioned. My understanding was that the hospital acquired the land and gave the redoubts to Williamsburg so that they could develop the rest of the land. At the time, I believe there was a disagreement among local preservationists as to the best way of going about this. Some felt that this was the best deal they could get and others felt that there needed to be more done.
Amazingly, a fair number of the original earthworks along the Williamsburg line are still standing, but only a few are interpreted. The centerpiece, Ft. Magruder, only has a small portion still standing. Other redoubts in the area you really need to know where to look to find them. Further down the Peninsula almost the entire Warwick-Yorktown line has been preserved due to the Yorktown Battlefield being preserved as well as the water reservoir and Ft. Eustis. Troops were here from the beginning of the war until the end but the area rarely gets for its Civil War history due to the number of historic sites in the area. Hopefully others will begin to take an interest in it.

Tim Greene
Endview Plantation

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Local response has been amazing now that the word is getting out. I look forward to hearing from more of you.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Here for reference are some of the conceptual maps from the city council meeting last May. Please reference the CWPT map as well as the two new map.

One is the CWPT map showing the troop movements.
Another with the red lines- is the 2009 CWSAC. You'll note the red line encompasses most of the northern portion of the development and some of the other development.
Lastly is the development conceptual plan. While its not the greatest scan it shows what the site could potentially look like.

"The concept for the project has evolved since the initial approval, but remains a conceptual plan “for illustrative purposes only.” The current conceptual plan includes the following, based on information contained in the traffic studies: a 150 bed hospital (subject to approval of a certificate of public need), 200,000 square feet of medical offices, a 120 bed nursing home, 95 single family dwellings, 397 “senior adult attached
dwellings,” 882 condominium and townhouse units, 202,000 square feet of offices, and 400,000 square feet of shopping center. The 125,000 square foot Quarterpath Crossing Shopping Center is adjacent to Quarterpath at Williamsburg, and is also served by the proposed improvements to the Quarterpath Road/Route 199 intersection."

[bAcK88]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Thanks for the heads-up Drew!

Now what can the members of the Authentic Campaigner do to make sure that these 331 acres of CORE battlefield are preserved for future generations? Who should we write/call/e-mail/telegraph to voice our opinion that this land should NOT be developed? And going along those lines, what can we Virginians do to make sure that this land is saved?

To me it seems like this is a perfect opportunity for a victory in battlefield preservation after the Wilderness snafu.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

A vast amount of research has been done by me and the dozen or so folks working on the issue down here. This is the most recent update.

The proposal by Riverside Healthcare includes combining two large pieces of property totaling 337 acres. The northern portion of property which is the smaller of the two lies completely within the Core battlefield boundary. This 116 acre lot is slated to be developed into approximately 1,300 mixed density dwelling units. The larger of the two pieces of property is 215 acres is slated for the following:
“a 150 bed hospital, 200,000 square feet of medical offices, a 120 bed nursing home, 95 single family dwellings, 397 “senior adult attached dwellings,” 882 condominium and townhouse units, 202,000 square feet of offices, and 400,000 square feet of shopping center.”

A great number of people who have considerable experience in the management of cultural resources are onboard now. After conversing with several leading preservation organizations, politicians, local historians and local people they are all reiterating to me that there is a golden, unprecedented opportunity for the civil war community to bind together before the issue is decided. The best part about the proposal is that the property is actually two lots which combined make up the significant core battlefield area. That being said it is possible to push a smart-growth plan. With some participation and a little thinking we as a community can chime in and promote the use of the larger 215 acre southern portion of property to support the necessary medical facilities and push for the conservation of the 116 acre northern property and northeast corner of the large 215 acre property. Many of the locals are concerned about the non-medical uses due to the foreclosures and unsold residential and commercial properties already within the city.

There are a number of routes which can be taken for those people outside of the region. It is imperative that this is all done prior to the council and commission meetings. Do not think that your opinions hold no clout, the tourist dollar and potential for poor national PR will keep the decision makers on their toes. This is especially true in the tourist driven economy we have here in Williamsburg. Many locals have committed to going to the series of meetings which will take place in October and November. Six roundtables or individuals have committed to writing editorials, which is something that needs to be done and should be written by preservation minded historians such as ourselves. Besides submission of these to the local papers, writing the planning commission and city council is of the upmost importance.

To date, the turnout from the Authentic Campaigner community has been lack-luster. In fact since posting this four days ago, I have received three private messages with interested people. Three. I cannot help but think that had this news surfaced after the property was lost the entire forum would be up in arms.

Therefore I will reiterate. 337 acres of undisputed core battlefield area from the May 5th 1862 battle of Williamsburg is in danger. Unlike the Wilderness Wal-mart controversy the planning commission and city council have not yet met to vote upon this. Many national and state organizations are aware of the impeding destruction and are acting in their capacities. Again this is the only remaining portion of core battlefield are left.

I am able to provide the contact information for the aforementioned City planners and council members for those interested parties, as well as the contact for the local paper editors. I’d like to encourage our community to get involved now; in fact it’s imperative we do. Lastly if there is indeed no interest, I will stop updating by Wednesday.

Attached are some maps yet again. These being blown up so that you are able to see how the property is divided and where the boys went in.

[Sprowls]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Drew,

Thank you for posting the preservation alert regarding the Williamsburg
Battlefield. I will be writing to the planning commission/city council/mayor
and encourage all of our AC friends to get involved as well. Hopefully, the early
status of the development process will provide us time to gather momentum.
There have been disappointments, such as the recent Wilderness
loss, but many successes in the past. The living history community has rallied many
times, in conjunction with other interested parties and organizations, and made a difference.
Let's do it again!

Chuck Sprowls

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

October 14th is the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting. It is expected they will discuss (public opinion) and vote on this project then, with the City Council meeting November 12th for their subsequent vote.
Today Wednesday the 23rd there was a small article in the Virginia Gazette which mentions the impending loss of the property. There is no internet link for this yet.
I am going to ask the Mods to remove this thread from the top of the list due to the lack of interest. Please continue to contact me if you wish to get involved.
Most Respectfully
Drew A. Gruber

[JACKSONVC]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Gentlemen and Ladies,
As Drew has stated above, this is not a matter by which we should lightly tread, we need to act... below is a letter that I posted to all of the planning committee members this afternoon. There are many out there that are more eloquent that I, please, assist our fellow campaigners at Williamsburg with their fight to preserve our historical legacy.

Vince Jackson

Sir,
I am writing to you on the matter of the proposal to allow two tracks of land located on the original Williamsburg Battlefield that are being discussed for future development. As I understand the proposal,” The current conceptual plan includes the following, based on information contained in the traffic studies: a 150 bed hospital (subject to approval of a certificate of public need), 200,000 square feet of medical offices, a 120 bed nursing home, 95 single family dwellings, 397 “senior adult attached dwellings,” 882 condominium and townhouse units, 202,000 square feet of offices, and 400,000 square feet of shopping center. The 125,000 square foot Quarter path Crossing Shopping Center is adjacent to Quarter path at Williamsburg, and is also served by the proposed improvements to the Quarter path Road/Route 199 intersection." The two tracks of land in question sit directly in the center of one of our Nation's Historical treasures, primarily the Williamsburg Battlefield, on which Americans fought and died to preserve our present Constitutional Government and Nation.

I think it shortsighted to entertain this proposal allowing the construction of what constitutes a new town with shopping centers, Offices, Hospitals, Homes, etc…within so close a proximity to so many major historical sites. I think this cheapens the interpretation of the significant events and relevance of those sites. Yes, the tracks of land in dispute are under developed; however, they are of immeasurable value to our Nation’s history and bear witness to the valor and supreme sacrifice of our forbearer’s determination to see that this Nation stood as one, preserved for future generations. I am sure that you would think it unconscious able if this proposal was slated to be constructed behind the Governor’s Mansion in Williamsburg. I think it too often in our society we place a value upon our heritage, accessing what is of more importance, a town with obvious monetary gains or a battlefield that contributed to the preservation of our present form of Government. In this, we more often than not, choose the shortsighted gain of money over the value of what is truly precious, our history. I pray that you will consider the ramifications of approving this building proposal in its current state and the impact that it will have on our future generations, who will lose the ability to interpret the events that unfolded on that far ago distant battlefield as their ancestors shed their blood to ensure that this Nation would be preserved.

Having served my Nation for the better part of my adult life, I fully understand the sacrifices that our military members have suffered both past and present. I know that no monument will stand to mark my sacrifice, but I trust as those soldiers so long ago trusted, that the memory of their deeds would go remembered through the ages as a testament of their unwavering belief in their Nation. The building of this project will simply destroy the last remaining unblemished reminder of that trust, replacing it with a monument to our society's indifference.

I thank you for your consideration in this matter and look forward to your decision. Please do no hesitate to contact me for any further information that I may provide.



Respectfully


Vincent C. Jackson
Sergeant First Class
1/175th Infantry
Vincent.c.jackson@us.army.mil

[JACKSONVC]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Friends,
I have posted below the most detailed response to the letter that was send to each member of the Planning Commission for Williamsburg. The only way to save the Williamsburg Battlefield and not see it defiled by what amounts to a whole new "city" is our action and the actions of like minded people who are willing to voice their disagreement. Please email the Committee members and voice your disapproval of the planned action.

"Sgt. Jackson,
Thanks for your e-mail. The basic approvals for the Quarterpath project being developed by Riverside Hospital go back a long way and are probably not reversible at this point. However, as part of the process, Riverside deeded a tract of land to the City on which one of the Civil War redouts stood. That parcel has since been developed as a park as a means of honoring the sacrifice of those who fought and died in the engagement. I hope you find some comfort in this. Finally, various approvals will still be required before this project can be completed at which time citizens may speak or otherwise express their views. Announcements of any such hearings will be advertised in the press and noted on the City web site. Thanks again. Bill Kafes"

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Vince
Thanks for posting their reply. The fact that this is, "probably not reversible..." is a defensive tactic. The rezoning from residential to economic development was approved and to my knowledge nothing more. Also for the hospital they will need to gain a 'Certificate of Need' not to mention jump through number environmental hoops as the property falls within the watershed for the James and lastly complete a cultural resource survey to coincide with the Federal monies being used. All of these things which are outside of their control and hinge upon the diligence of the surveyors could stop the project at various points. Therefore "probably not reversible" is not accurate by any means. That being said with the pending commission meeting, the opportunity to sculpt the development around the "Core" battlefield lines still exist. Pressure from local tax payers and from outsiders (whose tourist dollars mean alot here) will help immensely. Oh and lastly the redoubts are outside the core battlefield perimeter. They and the transfer of them from Riverside to the City was a proffer for the rezoning, the conceptual plan only hints at actions only once when it says, "The redoubts were part of the Williamsburg defensive line." No context. Lets nip this in the butt guys, no more Wilderness- Walmarts.

[JACKSONVC]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Friends,
Drew is right on target with what he is saying, there are still a whole bunch of stumbling blocks ahead for this action. The more oposition that is thrown up to counter the development the better... The committee and developer only see the dollars and cents that it will bring to the region, what they are failing to consider is both public outcry and the detriment on tourism to the region. This is there Achille's heel and where we can have the greatest impact. Again, friends, please write, and help make a positive impact on a potentially horrible and destructive construction project.

[bushy chops]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

This is a different fight than Wilderness Walmart, and it is one we have a really good chance of winning.

Too many naysayers railroaded our earnest attempts to preserve land by implying that our motives were purely anti-walmart and big business. One argument I heard was this: "Well, you wouldn't oppose it if they put up a hospital or a school." Well, here is a hospital, and here is a chance for us to come together and let people know that we are serious about land preservation. This is a battle we can unite behind, without all the "ulterior motives" being thrown into the mix.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

Here are some excerpts from the Williamsburg OR's.

“At the command of our Colonel the men advanced with great spirit and steadiness. A destructive fire was once opened upon us by the enemy. In the first volley Colonel Mott fell shot through the body while cheering on his men. The fight became at once general along our whole line. The men under my command pressed on to the attack with the upmost eagerness and yet with perfect coolness, keeping our lines as unbroken as the nature of the ground would allow and firing with deliberation and telling affect. The opposing lines could not have been more than 30 yards apart…”
L.Q.C. Lamar
Lt Col Commanding 19th Regiment Mississippi Volunteers

“…they were thrown into some confusion which was increased by an order to fall back; but they fought on eagerly, and the list of killed and wounded shows them to have been in the thickest of the fight. Captain Mullins, of Company E with portions of other companies, charged through the intricate network of fallen trees upon the enemy…The color sergeant (Peebles) bore the colors to the front, and when shot down still upheld them until Prt William Meaders took them from his hand. Pierced through the arm by a rifle-ball, he, with his other hand delivered them to Private John Halloran.”
L.Q.C. Lamar
Lt Col Commanding 19th Regiment Mississippi Volunteers
The 19th looses just over 100 of the 501 members engaged.


“The best proof I can offer in evidence of the bravery of my regiment is exemplified in the official list of the number of killed, wounded and missing as furnished to you yesterday, showing an aggregate loss among our officers and men of over 25 percent.”
Chas. Burtis
Lt. Col. 74th Regiment New York Vol.

“ The enemy were evidently re-enforced in front of me, and the attempted to regain the little ground they had lost, and this skulking contest from the opposite sides of logs in front of my main body became in some cases hand-to hand. At this point Captain Willard, of the 72nd Regiment New York Volunteers, came over to me from the rear and warned me of the terrible fire of which my regiment was exposed. While speaking he fell at my side with a bullet through the head.”
William Dwight Jr.
Col 70th New York Regiment Volunteers.
Dwight was wounded twice that day and taken captive when their position was overrun.

“While the regiment was engaged on the left of the road, at no more than 50 yards a rebel officer displayed a white flag, crying out, “Don’t fire on your friends,” when I ordered “Cease firing,” and private Michael Doherty of company A stepped forward to get the flag, and when near it the officer said to his men, “Now give it them.” The men obeyed firing and severely wounding Pvt Doherty, who immediately returned fire shooting the officer through the heart, thus rewarding him for his mean treachery.”
Col. Wm. Blaisdell.
11th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

If anyone else is interested in getting involved before the October meeting please let me know.

[Sprowls]

Re: Williamsburg, A Call to Arms

A.P. Hill reported the following details of his brigade in the battle:

"My own brigade was actively and constantly engaged in the front for seven hours. Many of my men fired over 60 rounds of cartridges, and for two hours longer we were lying passive under a heavy fire, ready to spring to it again should the enemy rally to the fight. We drove the enemy from every position he took, captured all his knapsacks, and never suffered him to regain an inch of lost ground. My own brigade was fortunate in taking seven stands of colors, about 160 prisoners, shared with the Ninth Alabama the honor of taking eight pieces of artillery."

The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 11 (Part I) p. 577-578