Posted on March 19, 2006
JMU’s desire to turn local land into athletic fields is creating a stir within local organizations. The land in question happens to be one of Harrisonburg’s most significant Civil War reminders: Gen. Turner Ashby’s monument and nearby property.
“The 48 or 49 acres there is the last remaining piece of a battle that probably covered 150 to 200 acres or more,” said John Mann, commander of the D.H. Lee Martz Camp No. 10 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
The Sons were unaware that the historic land was owned by JMU until recently. Upon finding out, the Sons requested that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine preserve the property as a state park. They have yet to receive a definite response from him.
JMU is conducting a historical and archaeological assessment of the site before moving forward with its plans.
“[This assessment] will hopefully provide us with information that we can use to ensure that our plans for development are designed to do minimal impact in the area where General Ashby fell,” said Charles King, JMU vice president for Administration and Finance.
JMU intends to continue its development, but said it will have minimal impact on the area.
Mann is optimistic that the battleground will be saved.
“JMU has a very important and valuable piece of property,” Mann said. “We’re pretty sure that when they come out with the findings and see how significant this area is, JMU will understand how important it is to preserve it.”
According to Mann, much of the importance and value of the property lies in its ability to help us learn from our past.
This is not the first time that JMU’s interests have clashed with local organizations. In June 2005 JMU threatened to use the power of eminent domain to acquire Kyger Funeral Home if it would not sell.
Kyger sold.
However, JMU makes an effort to ease conflicts.
“We try very hard in our planning to factor in how our plans will impact the community,” King said. “I think for the most part we have been able to reach a compromise on most issues that have been raised by local organizations.”
Junior John Strike echoed Mann’s seniments regarding the importance of the historical site.
“Holding on to things allows us to better take the lessons they have to offer,” Strike said. “Mistakes from the past can be learned from and used to move forward in the future.”
