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A new fight for Pierson Farm
Historic Spotsylvania farm is on the market
Date published: 1/3/2006
By GEORGE WHITEHURST MARKET FORCES are about to collide with the past on Tidewater Trail. The Pierson Farm is now up for sale. The family of the late landowner, John W. Pierson, is asking $12.3 million for the property, which is near Shannon Airport. Its more than 200 acres are zoned for light industrial and commercial use. But in December 1862, the land was torn asunder as Union and Confederate forces clashed during the Battle of Fredericksburg. As a result, officials with the Civil War Preservation Trust and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust are salivating over the property. CWPT spokesman Jim Campi describes the ground as "really blood-soaked." Conservative estimates suggest as many as 2,500 men were killed or wounded in a few hours on the parcel, leading soldiers at the time to nickname it "Slaughter Pen Farm." Campi adds that the property offers valuable clues on the outcome of the Battle of Fredericksburg. "What most people know about the Battle of Fredericksburg was the fighting at Marye's Heights, which was a very one-sided affair," he said. "But in many ways, the battle was determined on and near the Slaughter Pen Farm. Unlike in front of Marye's Heights, the fighting on Slaughter Pen was very touch-and-go, and both sides suffered tremendous casualties." Working in tandem, the two trusts have made an offer to Pierson's family. Campi was tight-lipped about the details, other than to describe it as a "multimillion dollar offer" that would involve state and federal grants, private money and some state tax incentives. He offered a cautiously optimistic appraisal of the family's reaction. "I think there is an interest in seeing the farm preserved, and they're considering their options," he said. But Alex Long with Weichert Realty, who is listing the property, described the preservationists' current offer as "deficient" and "insufficient." Nevertheless, he said Pierson's family is receptive to the groups' overtures. "In all honesty, we'll try to work with them, but cooperation is a two-way street," Long said. "If it becomes shrill and nasty on the other side, that cooperation can be taken off the table as easily as it was put on the table. In the final analysis, it's a balancing of interests." Donald Pfanz, a staff historian with the National Park Service, just hopes that the scale tips in favor of preservation.
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 1/3/2006
Gah!
(posted by
error404
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
What....Carl Silver hasn't already pre-purchased the land for a dollar ?
There goes my pastoral view
(posted by
KathrynK
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
My neighborhood is across from the Pierson farm. I would hate to see the scenery change. The land is still being farmed. Although, I wouldn't mind it if a neighborhood like the one Tricord proposed for New Post .
There goes my pastoral view
(posted by
KathrynK
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
My neighborhood is across from the Pierson farm. I would hate to see the scenery change. The land is still being farmed. I would hate to see a 7-11 there. Although, I wouldn't mind it if a neighborhood like the one Tricord proposed for New Post .
Quality of life
(posted by
Snewbill
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
IS this for Civil War or Anti-Developement? Because it sounds like some of you use one name to defend the other, Any one price land lately? Try to buy 200 Ac this close to Fred, the 12.3 M is a fair price. btw I live here all my life, can U Say same?
Pierson's Farm
(posted by
BigYankeeAmes
, Sep. 25, 2007 2:41 pm)
Life does go on, too bad the quality of life around here keeps going downhill. Mr Pierson was a nice man and I was sorry to see him go. I will be very sorry to his farm go if it isnt preserved.
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