April 28, 2006

Help preserve Blair Mt

Susan Pierce at State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) again needs some encouragement to do the right thing. As you will remember, our original nomination package was returned by the National Park Service and they were asking for some more information from us and some clarifications from Susan.

We returned the Blair Mt. nomination resubmission material to SHPO on 3 April and it has not been sent to the National Park Service yet. It is a greatly expanded package with a powerful historical narrative, an addendum on archaeology and two new maps. The package represents hours of labor contributed by our supporters and volunteers. I fear Susan may be waiting and hoping the proposed settlement of the Logan lawsuit will make it a moot question and relieve her of the obligation to supply the information Park Service requested of her. Please call her and urge her to do the right thing for the people of WV.

See the forwarded E-Mail below for some ideas for your call or e-mail. Please call or E-Mail Susan at 304-558-0240, Ext. 158, or susan.pierce@wvculture.org. Thank you for your support in getting us past this hurdle. Please contact Regina Hendrix (regina1936@verizon.net) if you have questions and please DO circulate this request to our friends and supporters.

Here’s a sample letter:

Ms. Susan Pierce
WV Division of Culture and History
The Cultural Center
Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston WV 25305-0300

Dear Ms Pierce:

No one doubts the historical significance of the Battle of Blair Mountain and its place among the most important labor history events in West Virginia, if not the nation. Today the site is only marked by a historical maker and much of the historic land has still been unexamined by scholars. The history has captured the imagination of history enthusiasts nationwide. Now the potential exists to preserve this site for the people of West Virginia and all labor history lovers on the national scene.

Please forward the resubmission material which you received on April 3rd from Friends of the Mountains and supply the information requested by National Park Service as soon as possible. The preservation of the Blair Mt. battlesite would be a blessing for tourism in Logan County, and in fact all of So. WV. The recent designation of Rt. 17 as a Scenic Byway and the preservation of the jail in Charles Town point the way for us to preserve our history and honor our heritage.

Sincerely,

Additional talking points:

• The battle of Blair Mountain is one of the most significant historical events in West Virginia.
• We have always treated our battlefields with respect.
• The battle of Blair Mountain was the first time that airplanes were deployed in an industrial dispute.
• There is currently a lack of recreational land in Logan County. Historic preservation would supplement Chief Logan State Park
• Historical preservation listing would complement the designation of Route 17 as a Scenic Bway and will enhance tourism in an impoverished area of our state.
• The efforts of the Jefferson County Preservation Alliance to Save Our Heritage (JCPASH) to preserve the site of the treason trials at the Jefferson County Courthouse have been successful and they are planning a Museum with information on the Battle of Blair Mountain. Preservation of the battleground completes the honoring of this event.
• The Battle of Blair Mountain has had a lasting impact on the lives of many residents, not only in Logan County, but throughout the entire state of West Virginia and surrounding states.
• Listing as an historical landmark will provide permanent protection for a labor history site with state and national significance.

ADDRESSES FOR FURTHER LETTERS OF SUPPORT:

Senator Robert C. Byrd, 311 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Wash., D. C. 20510-4801

Senator John D. Rockefeller, III, 531 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Wash., D. C. 20510-4802

Congressman Alan Mollohan, Rayburn House Office Bldg., Wash., D. C. 20515-4801

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, 1431 Longworth House Office Bldg., Wash., D. C. 20515-4802

Congressman Nick Rahall, 2307 Rayburn House Office Bldg., Wash., D.C.20515-4803