Journey Through Hallowed Ground official

President Bush on Thursday signed the bill recognizing the Journey Through Hallowed Ground as the nation’s 38th heritage area.

The region, which stretches roughly 175 miles from Charlottesville to Gettysburg, Pa., along U.S. 29 and U.S. 15 and includes Culpeper, holds more American history than any other region in the country, according to a Thursday release from the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership.

It includes nine presidential homes, 15 historic Main Street communities — including Culpeper —  significant sites from the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars and the War of 1812, and the largest collection of Civil War battlefields.

“We are thrilled that the president signed the legislation to create the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area,” partnership President Cate Magennis Wyatt said in the release. “We applaud the work of our partners, as their efforts and vision are responsible for today’s national recognition, and I share their pride as we accept this designation.”

She cited the work of U.S. Sen. John Warner, R-Va., and U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., for their leadership in sponsoring the legislation.

In the partnership release, Warner said the recognition “shines light on a region that holds great significance to the history of this nation.

“I will continue to work with the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership and support efforts that bring opportunity to the region and its visitors,” he added.