Chancellorsville victory was only partial at best

Date published: 5/7/2003

It seems that the preservationists won a Pyrrhic victory: They won the battle over the Town of Chancellorsville, but lost the war.

True, John Mullins can develop his property without setting aside historic land sites, but the ugly Town of Chancellorsville, with 2 million square feet of commercial and retail space won't be built. For perspective, the new Washington Convention Center is 2.3 million square feet.

While not saving the Civil War sites, the preservationists did Spotsylvania County residents a great service in terms of curbing sprawl (smart growth it was not!), and keeping the tax burden in check.

But the second battle is now beginning. Mr. Mullins has the space to build a visitors center now that the town is gone. It's in Mr. Mullins' interest to use part of his land for a visitors center because it would provide consumers to support his retail venture in Ashley Farms.

Charles C. Tuck

Spotsylvania

Date published: 5/7/2003