Date published: 9/13/2005

I am commenting on the issue concerning VDOT's new position on the Spotsylvania bypass ["VDOT pulls a switcheroo on Spotsy bypass access," Sept. 5].

I am one of the "imports" who had very little connection to the Civil War and the battlefields in Spotsylvania until I went to work for the Spotsylvania Visitors Center.

It was there that I developed an interest in, and a respect for, the history of the area, both Colonial and Civil War-era.

Tourism has proved to be one of the largest industries in Spotsylvania and the entire area. Many visitors comment on how the community is known for protecting its battlefields, unlike other areas they have visited.

It is vital that we continue to protect these areas. It is also important that agencies, builders, and developers be made aware that history is every bit as vital as development.

VDOT should be considering all aspects of this area, not just those that will benefit developers and builders. Without protecting our past, there may be no future.

I hope that visitors and tourists will always be able to say, "There is an area in this country that does protect and respect its history, and that area is Virginia's Spotsylvania County."

Peggy Gonier

Spotsylvania

Date published: 9/13/2005