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Posted on Apr 18, 2011 in History News

No Casino at Gettysburg

By Armchair General

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has again rejected a proposal to build a casino near the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Following announcement of the decision, Civil War Trust president Jim Lighthizer issued the following statement:

“Both personally, and on behalf of our members, I would like to thank the members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for their thoughtful deliberation and insightful decision.  By stating that the hallowed ground of America’s most blood-soaked battlefield is no place for this type of adults-only enterprise, they have reiterated the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s commitment to its priceless history and upheld its obligation to protect such sites from wanton and unnecessary degradation.

“This is a great day, not just for Gettysburg, but for all historic sites.  However, we must remember that this proposal was just a symptom of a larger problem — the numerous irreplaceable sites similarly besieged by ill-considered development.  I am confident that those seeking to protect priceless treasures of our past will be empowered by this victory for historic preservation, and I hope that its spirit will be carried forth in other communities facing similar questions of encroachment."

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A recent Mason-Dixon poll showed that two-thirds of Pennsylvanians opposed the idea of a casino so close to the ground that President Abraham Lincoln described as consecrated by the struggles of the brave men who fought there.

Visit the Civil War Trust’s Web page for more information.