The Battlefield in Resaca Should Be Saved by the State of Georgia

This editorial appeared in the March 24 issue of The Atlanta Journal. The State Natural Resources board ought not give up on saving Resaca, one of Georgia's most important Civil War battle-fields. The heart of it, 1,200 acres just north of Calhoun, was purchased recently by a young carpet manufacturing tycoon for $250,000 less than the $2.8 million the state offered money raised largely through private foundations and citizens through the efforts of the Georgia Civil War Commission.

The purchaser, 32-year-old Scott Fletcher, a textile executive, has hardly endeared himself to the local community or the state he choose to make his home four years ago. He commented to the media that he was more interested in making rugs than in pre-serving Southern history. State officials say they'll explore obtaining other parts of the battlefield, not as pristine, that aren't in Fletcher's hands. At one time, the state discussed with. Fletcher purchasing 78 acres for a visitors center and leasing another 175 acres. But even that fell through when Fletcher demanded a separate ramp off 1-75 to his property.

Given the scorching criticism Fletcher has received from the community and media, perhaps he'll have a change of heart. He should be made aware that the DNR board can recommend that the governor exercise the power of eminent domain, which state law grants for historic preservation. Nobody can recall when that power was used; if ever, and we agree that condemning private property should always be a last. resort.

But Resaca, site of the battle that signaled the beginning of the Atlanta campaign in 1864, may be worth it. It is one of those rare sites that contains original trenches and fortifications. Aside from the Griswoldvillie battlefield near Macon, Resaca is the only remaining untouched Civil War battlefield in Georgia. Time is running out on preservation of Southern history, including sites that depict important black and Native American events.

One of the little known places that ought to be preserved is the Marietta site where 275 black soldiers, members of the U.S. Colored Infantry, are buried. This year's state budget contains about $100,000 to support exploring creation of a Historic Trails program in Georgia to link battlefields and historic sites similar to one in Virginia. But that's the second challenge. The first is to preserve Resaca.  State officials ought not walk away from it yet.

                                                             Article from the Atlanta Journal- Constitution