We are extremely disappointed, although not surprised, by the Orange County Board of Supervisors’ vote to allow construction of the Walmart superstore on historic land near an important Civil War battlefield.
This commercial development is improperly sited on land that is critical to understanding the National Park Service’s interpretation of the Battle of the Wilderness for the American people.
The National Park Conservation Association has actively participated and offered constructive suggestions to find alternatives that would protect the neighboring national park and allow a Walmart to be built on less sensitive land. It is not necessary to desecrate the land where a horrific battle took place less than 150 years ago in pursuit of profit and pavement.
Although members of the Orange County board announced repeatedly they would vote to approve Walmart’s application, even before the public process began, NPCA and our members, and other organizations in the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition, participated in the public process at every stage available. Despite the disappointing vote, we will continue to explore options to protect this important national park.
This battle is not over yet. We continue to hold out hope that Walmart will do the right thing by relocating its business, and respect and protect America’s heritage and history.
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