From Sea to Shining Sea

Having lived in Virginia for the past three years, I've come to appreciate the history of the area all the more. I will always remain a faithful son of Maryland, but Virginia is the place that I call home; and a happy home it has been these past three years. As such, I have been fascinated to see all this historical areas in just the Northern Virginia area alone. Any Civil War history buff will tell you that virtually every corner of the state is steeped in historical tradition or has been a part of history at some point or another. I've met people from other parts of the world who often marvel at the fact that we here in the US have so many historical sites despite being a country that is only 200 years old. They often argue that we don't have any history that is of significance. I argue against that saying that if you bothered to look, you would see just how much history our country has had.

As a fan of history I often feel it necessary to preserve whatever we have and to ensure that future generations can come and see a part of what made our country what it is and then have an understanding of 'where we came from'. Drive a few miles outside of DC and you'll find Manassas National Battlefield; this was the site of two pivotal battles in the early part of the civil war. Although the war is long since over and we have modernized the world tremendously since then, the battlefield itself has been largely preserved due to its historical significance to the country. If you visit, you'll see much of the same view that the soldiers saw back in 1863.

However, if you drive a few miles in any direction from the battlefield, you run smack dab into suburbia. Indeed, the city of Manassas is a sprawling view of modern suburbia replete with car dealerships, fast food joints and mile upon mile of shopping and gas stations. It's hard to believe that once, this entire area was just like the battlefield, sprawling acres just waiting to be developed. Despite the best efforts of some developers, the state and local counties have managed to preserve lands such as this. But what about lands that aren't historically significant? What if no one important camped there? What if not historic battle was fought there? Does that mean it shouldn't be saved?

If you drive around, doubtless you'll see literally hundreds of new developments popping up. New homes, new condos, new everything. It seems as though we are now determined to fill ever little nook and cranny with new construction. It's getting to the point that even a place as crowded as Tysons Corner is being filled to the gills with every conceivable accoutrement of society. I have seen plans whereby the areas surrounding the mall, the grassy areas (not the grassy knoll! ;-) ) will eventually give way to mini-high-rise apartments / condos or offices making this already crowded area even more so. With a 'booming' economy (why do I hear laughing?) it isn't surprising that we have such a demand for affordable housing?

It's getting to be like the old days again. Can't afford land close to the city? Go west! Commuters are moving farther and farther out in an effort to get the most bang for the buck and the result (as tragic as it is) is that much of the natural wonder and space of this country is being steadily lost. I have been to the battlefields and the parks and have stood in silence admiring the beauty of my home country. I just hope some of those views don't eventually give way to a pair of golden arches beaming down on me.