This week, a blow for preservationists in Orange County, VA. The county board has approved Walmart’s plans to build a store on the outskirts of Wilderness battlefield, which will radically change the character of the historic site. Local historians have been fighting the store, but aren’t surprised by the decision. There is some possibility, however, of a continued fight or appeal.
This news, combined with continued preservationist losses here in Detroit, is disheartening. I can’t shake the feeling that we’re turning into CivilWarLand in Bad Decline. Readers, do you have any positive history news to share?
Public Historian 
August 27, 2009 at 9:51 am
Unfortunately, no good news, but a few comments of righteous indignation…
The Orange County Board of Supervisors should be ashamed of themselves, in particular, Zach Burkett, who voted for the Wal-Mart Supercenter all the while stating that he “has a deep love for our history, our traditions and our land.”[1] Could have fooled me.
I’ll also single out Supervisor R. Mark Johnson for this comment that “The history of Orange is not dirt. If Mount Vernon just got blown off the face of the Earth, would we think any less of George Washington?”[2] If you think your local historical landmark is safe from suburban sprawl after reading that comment then you need to wake up.
In May 1864 more than 29,000 were killed or injured on the Wilderness Battlefield during the Civil War. In August 2009, with their vote for building a Wal-Mart Super Center on this hallowed ground, the Orange County Board of Supervisors effectively spat on their graves.
[1] http://www.burkettforsupervisor.com/
[2] http://www2.newsvirginian.com/wnv/news/local/article/officials_ready_to_move_on_after_wal-mart_vote/44484/