For Immediate Release
March 26, 2003

REMARKABLE VICTORY AT CHANCELLORSVILLE BATTLEFIELD

In a dramatic turnaround, the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors votes
6-to-0 against rezoning of historic Mullins Farm

(Chancellorsville, Va.) - In a remarkable come-from-behind victory, the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday morning against the rezoning of the historic Mullins Farm on Chancellorsville Battlefield. The vote was 6-to-0 with one supervisor abstaining. The Coalition to Save Chancellorsville Battlefield released the following statement after the vote:

"We are elated by the nearly unanimous vote by the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors. The decision to reject the rezoning of the Mullins Farm at Chancellorsville is the most significant battlefield preservation victory in nearly a decade.

"The vote by the board of supervisors sends a powerful message to those who would seek to develop hallowed ground. We will no longer sit idly by while you attempt to destroy our nation's precious Civil War heritage.

"The decision is a vindication of the Coalition's message - the Dogwood plan was the wrong project in the wrong place. The vote came at the end of a hard fought grassroots campaign that involved hundreds of Spotsylvania County residents and thousands of concerned citizens elsewhere in the nation. More than 300 people attended the eight-hour hearing.

"Nine months ago, few believed that Dogwood's plans for the Mullins Farm could be defeated. In November, all seemed lost when the county planning commission voted to endorse the Dogwood proposal. However, thanks to the dedication, enthusiasm and support of its 12 member groups, the Coalition to Save Chancellorsville Battlefield was able to turn back a critical threat to this historic battleground.

"Although we savor today's victory, the Coalition recognizes that several challenges remain. The vote against the rezoning doesn't guarantee the preservation of the Mullins Farm property. Current zoning allows landowner John Mullins to build 225 homes and 55 acres of commercial development on the property. However, we believe a deal can be reached that both protects the land and assures Mr. Mullins a return on his investment."

The Coalition to Save Chancellorsville Battlefield is an informal group of 12 national and local preservation, conservation and civic groups representing more than 600,000 members nationwide. The coalition is dedicated to preserving and protecting Chancellorsville battlefield. Its website is located at www.chancellorsville.org.

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Contact: Jim Campi of the Civil War Preservation Trust at 202-277-8560 or Beth Newburger of the National Trust for Historic Preservation at 202-588-6141.