Lee's headquarters

[armyjoe]

I just recently came back from a trip to Gettysburg, P.A. I have been going there for the past 5 years and absolutely love the place. Its so rich in history and so many have sacrificed for this beloved country of ours. Every year my girlfriend and I along with her sister and husband and there two beautiful children make the journey to Gettysburg and enjoy the sites, scenery and of course the local taverns. During this last trip I noticed that a local hotel chain was purchased by the historical society and they in turned completely demolished the hotel that stood at the location of Lees headquarters. The only thing that remains is Lee's actual headquarters, which was being restored to its original look. I thought to myself, "Wow, isn't that great". But the guide that was giving us a tour said "Yes, I agree, but it takes another place off the tax roles". Being a home owner I can certainly agree with what he was saying, especially coming from New York. Roads, schools, police, water and sewer systems need to be maintained. My question to everyone here is, How far do you go until you've gone too far where cost over rides your needs?

 

[John Winn]

Welcome.

First, Lee's headquarters was purchased, and is being restored by, the Civil Wart Trust, not the historical society. And as a side note it probably wasn't actually Lee's headquarters (which was in tents across the highway) but he did apparently spend some time in the building. There's a good little book that covers the history of the house and if you're interested you can get a copy cheap (it's only 73 pages without notes): Smith, Timothy H. (1995). The Story Of Lee's Headquarters. (Thomas Publications, Gettysburg, PA).

As to the tax issue, that was briefly discussed here a while back (sorry, can't locate the thread). I'm not a local so I'm not sure if its really my place to judge these things but since you asked I'll offer an opinion. It seems to me that it's entirely possible that restoration might bring in more tourist dollars and offset those produced by the motel. And I doubt the building is entirely off the tax roles (don't know that for certain). But is the increased traffic - assuming there is increased traffic - worth the trade ? I don't have the numbers and can't say.

I do lean strongly toward preservation in general and did contribute money to the project as a member of the Trust. I think were I a local I'd still be in favor as I've dealt with similar issues where I live a time or two. I have to say that since nobody outbid the Trust and the motel owners decided to sell it seems like maybe a motel - or at least the standing one - might not have been so profitable for the owners and I'm also a supporter of free enterprise and wouldn't expect someone to operate an unprofitable business so as to generate tax revenue. Put another way, it seems that if locals had strong feelings against the Trust buying the property and removing the motel then perhaps they should have come up with an alternative. As that didn't happen and the local owner(s) certainly wanted to sell I don't think it's exactly right to be angry with the Trust for buying.

OK, I've probably offended several people by now. Hopefully some of our members who live in or near Gettysburg will chime in. Hope to see you around the forums.

 

[armyjoe]

Hello and thank you for your well written thoughts and insite. I'm very happy that an area like Lee's headquarters are being brought back, or the building he visited. Anything to preserve history. I guess having someone who's actually living there had a different opinion but you having more in depth knowledge of the purchase brought new views towards the restoration. I pray and certainly hope that it increases the tourists and brings in more tax dollars for the area. It's a beautiful place one that I will be returning to every year. Again, thank you for your opinion and thoughts.

 

[Drew]

But the guide that was giving us a tour said "Yes, I agree, but it takes another place off the tax roles".

We could pave over the entire Gettysburg National Military Park and build a casino on top of it. That may or may not improve local tax revenue.

Someone will have to do an impact study on the matter and I know a lot of folks who will chase him out of town before he's even done with it, but I've a sneaking suspicion Gettysburg and its environs are well served by revenue generated by the Military Park.

I hope you didn't tip your guide.

 

[civilken]

if you look at all the millions they take in at souvenir shops and hotels stores bars you name it Gettysburg has it I doubt the loss of one hotel will even put a dent in the money they bring in from tourists every year. Believe me I have been going to Gettysburg for quite some time and after hotel suites dinners tours horse rides ghost ttours lectures some classes I have paid for a lot of Gettysburg's taxes and I'll be going back. Fear not for the poor Gettysburg civilians.