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Washington, D.C., Nov 5 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) offered testimony today in support of H.R. 3388, the Petersburg National Battlefield Boundary Modification Act before the House of Representatives Subcommittee On National Parks, Forests And Public Lands. Forbes introduced the bill earlier this year, which would modify the boundaries of the current Petersburg National Battlefield to include an additional 7,200 acres of land adjacent to its current holdings, provided mainly through donations. The bill has been endorsed by The Conservation Fund, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Civil War Preservation Trust. Forbes’ testimony follows:  

“Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to support H.R. 3388, the Petersburg National Battlefield Boundary Modification Act.  This legislation would provide for the expansion of Petersburg National Battlefield in Petersburg, Virginia, which will serve to increase heritage tourism in the Commonwealth of Virginia and enable Americans to learn more about the final years of the Civil War.   

“You might be surprised to learn that nearly one quarter of the entire Civil War was fought in and around Petersburg, Virginia.  Only twenty-five miles south of Richmond, the City of Petersburg served as an important supply center to the Confederate capital.  With its five railroad lines and key roads, Petersburg was recognized as a lynchpin of all Confederate efforts by both General Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E. Lee, which is why in June 1864 General Grant moved to surround and isolate the City.  Remarkably, for nine and one-half months, General Lee held off the Northern troops, in what became one of the longest sieges in the history of American warfare.  Eventually, both armies were forced to abandon Petersburg, leaving behind 70,000 casualties as they began their trek toward Appomattox Courthouse, where General Lee would ultimately surrender. 

“The historic sites at Petersburg National Battlefield tell this incredible story, and serve as an important reminder of an extraordinary chapter in American history.  The numerous battlefields, monuments, and museums allow not only Virginians, but all Americans, to appreciate those who came before us during one of the most trying conflicts in the history of our great nation. 

“The bill before us today, H.R. 3388, would provide federal authority for the 7,238-acre expansion of the Petersburg National Battlefield.  H.R. 3388 would also allow for the administrative jurisdiction transfer, or exchange, of approximately 1.17 acres of land between the Ft. Lee Military Reservation (through the Department of the Army) and the National Park Service (through the Department of Interior).  H.R. 3388 is supported by all parties involved, including each surrounding locality. 

“It is my pleasure to testify before you today to express my full support for this bill.  The Petersburg National Battlefield is an integral part of the local community, an important tourist destination for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and a touchstone of America’s past.  I urge you to report H.R. 3388 favorably from your committee to ensure that this important historic site is enhanced for generations of Americans to come.  Thank you for your attention.”