Outcry of casino's Gettysburg address

[Colin1]

The Daily Telegraph 30 August 2010

by Nick Allen
in Los Angeles

Battle lines are being drawn over plans to build a casino close to Gettysburg, the site of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. Opponents say the plan would be a desecration of sacred ground.

The American Legion veterans' organisation called it a "national disgrace" but supporters argue it will boost the local economy and help to halt a decline in visitors to the battlefield. The proposed Mason-Dixie Resort and Casino, which would have 600 slot machines and 50 gambling tables would be half a mile from what is now preserved as the 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

But opponents say the battle took place over a wider area than the borders of the park and the casino would be right next to the scene of a Union Cavalry advance where a number of soldiers are buried in unmarked graves.

More than 160,000 men fought at Gettysburg, often described as the turning point of the war, from July 1 - 3 1863, with about 8,000 Union and Confederate soldiers losing their lives. Four months later, President Abraham Lincoln honoured the dead at a local cemetery and delivered the Gettysburg Address, in which he redefined the purpose of the war.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Board will decide if the casino can be built.

[Vassili Zaitzev]

Might be out of line, but I feel that building a casino that close is in poor taste. I see the benefit, but the idea of building over unmarked graves doesn't sit well with me.

[Ferdinand Foch]

Ughhh, who would want to put up a casino next to one of America's bloodiest battlefields. Boosting the economy is a good idea, but this is just idiotic. To me, its just screaming 'desecration' on the part of the soldiers who were lost on both sides.

[vikingBerserker]

I agree, cripes put it a mile, it'll still do what they want.

[RabidAlien]

Having a casino there doesn't bother me at all (heck, troops will always find a way to play cards or gamble somehow!). However, someone needs to do some careful research and make sure they're not building on top of a battleground. And, as the article stated, the actual battle of Gettysburg wandered all over the countryside there, not just in one area. So be VERY frikkin careful where you decide to break ground.

[diddyriddick]

The last I heard, they were talking about a significant distance from the battlefield itself. When I was there, I talked with some of the locals. Basically, it is like any other tourist economy; feast or famine depending on the time of year. If the good folks of Gettysburg want a casino, then who am I, an outsider, to tell them otherwise.

For those who've not been there, there is all sorts of tacky shops exploiting the fame of the battle as you go in on the Emmittsburg Road. T-shirt shops, Souvenir shops, and even the General Pickett's Buffett. So it would be pretty hard to cheapen it more than it already is on that stretch of road.

Just my opinion....

Gettysburg Casino Locator Map | Civil War Maps | Civilwar.org

[mikewint]

don't know about this one. part of me says no way we need to respect what happened here and all the men who died here both north and south and another part says life is for the living and it is private property. reminds me of the debate in NYC over the mosque they want to build near ground zero.
been a while since i visited gettysburg but i recall several housing developments all along the perimeter probably much worse by now

[renrich]

All of the above are good points. The fact is that 160000 or more troops and draft animals took up a lot of space and there are bound to be historical areas already desecrated. Having said that and not having been there, it bothers me to think of a casino right outside the entrance to what I presume is a National Monument or Park. Going there is on my bucket list.

[mikewint]

renich, it is a beautiful area and well maintained. its best to take a tour/guide since it is difficult to pick out all the historic locals. every once in a which you'll still find minnie balls which are a big no-no to pocket though many do. in another post on this area, there is a WWII graveyard there and tours of it are also available.
personally, the urban sprawl bothers me more. same at yellowstone

[renrich]

Thanks Mike. I have studied that battle so much and have so many maps, I feel I know the battlefield as well as most guides although I know that is not true. My primary interest would be in the Devils' Den, The Valley of Death, Little Round Top and The Wheatfield where our boys in the Texas Brigade fought. Of course the assault the last day on Cemetary Ridge would be on my list although us Texans did not have many dogs in that fight even though T J Goree, one of Longstreet's aides was from Texas and was watching.

[mikewint]

renrich, then move that tour to the head of your bucket list. it's a truly awesome place. it's probably a trick of the mind but you can really feel the spirits of those who died there. it is truly sacred ground