It is the site of Confederate General James Longstreet's successful flank attack
on Union forces during the second day of the battle. It is where the woods caught fire and soldiers tried to drag
themselves to safety, most without success. It is where many young men from Vermont gave their lives. It is known
as Hamilton's Thicket and it is now saved forever.
The 455 acres covering the corner of Brock and Orange Plank roads, (present day 610 and 621), in the Wilderness
Battlefield, was the scene of horrific fighting for two days in May 1864. It was also the site a developer, NTS,
presently had zoning in place for a golf course and nearly 150 homes.
In a deal that seemingly would never reach conclusion the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
purchased the property from NTS for 6.1 million dollars forever preserving this important and moving part of the
Wilderness for all time.
Sandy Rives, Superintendent of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park at the time of the purchase,
was quoted as saying "It's one of the largest, if not the largest, purchase of Civil War battlefield land in the last
fifteen to twenty years, and certainly the largest here since the beginning of the park".
The money was secured from the Federal Water and Conservation fund. Congressman, U.S. senators, prominent individuals
in the world of preservation as well as non profit groups such as the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield all lent a hand
in preaching the importance of this purchase. Much credit goes to Sandy Rives for his tireless efforts in getting this
transaction completed. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park encompasses over 8,200 acres and is
one the largest national military battlefield parks.
Although this purchase has certainly saved historic land that otherwise would be paved or built over, the area is
still under siege. Over eleven thousand people a year are moving into Spotsylvania County making it one of Virginia's
fastest growing communities. The unsaved battlefields in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Chancellorsville are in
constant threat of being developed. At this time there are at least five major developments in the works that would
come very close to the Parks boundaries forever destroying the interpretive value of the land. Road widening and by
passes are all constantly being proposed.
The challenge is of course money. Preservation groups are always trying to raise awareness as well as funds to
purchase and preserve our historic lands. One day we all wish we could have enough funding to be proactive instead
of reactive. Unfortunately, at least in the Fredericksburg area, development is proceeding at such a frantic pace
that there is time only to react.
The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will now begin making plans for accessibility and
interpretation of Hamilton's Thicket. Trails, Parking and interpretive markers will all be in the planning so
the public may view first hand this hallowed and bloody ground. The Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will pitch
in and assist the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park with whatever they may need us to do.
Congratulations to the Park Service on this very important acquisition and may there be many more like it.