The Virginia Gazette
11:09 AM EDT, March 24, 2015
JAMES CITY - The largest portion of the Civil War battlefield on which the Battle of Williamsburg was fought was set aside for preservation Tuesday.
At a press conference held at Kingsmill, Gov. Terry McAuliffe joined Rick Shippey, senior general manager of Anheuser-Busch's Williamsburg Brewery, in announcing that 65 acres ever set aside for preservation, under the control of the Civil War Trust.
“A well-preserved battlefield not only adds to our historic legacy, it’s an economic engine for heritage tourism,” McAuliffe said. “And it benefits the environment, saving valuable open space and preserving diverse habitats. The generous donation of this property by Anheuser-Busch is a welcome new chapter in this ongoing preservation success story.”
According to the Virginia Tourism Corp., heritage tourists visiting Virginia spend more money and stay longer on average than typical tourists to the state. They spend $671 vs. $421, and stay 4.2 nights vs. 3.8 nights per trip.
The 65-acre parcel is located northeast of Interstate I-64. It was originally part of Anheuser-Busch’s former Busch Gardens property and adjoins Busch Commerce Park.
The site played a pivotal role in fighting on May 5, 1862, and is the only part of the afternoon phase of the battlefield currently protected from development.
The Civil War Trust foresees the property become the anchor for a future Williamsburg Battlefield Park. Meanwhile, it will be stewarded by the Williamsburg Land Conservancy.
“In making this donation, Anheuser-Busch continues its longstanding tradition of supporting America’s history and military heritage,” said Civil War Trust President James Lighthizer. “It is, by far, the biggest save yet at Williamsburg.”
Anheuser-Busch's, Adolphus Busch and his father-in-law, Eberhard Anheuser, served in the Union Army during the Civil War as members of the Missouri Volunteers.
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