For those readers who are interested in the status of the protection and stewardship of the Gen. Russell Hastings monument on the north end of Winchester, Virginia inside of Ft. Collier Industrial Park, let me bring you up to date. [“Virginia man pushes preservation of Greenfield general’s Civil War monument,” Recorder, Sept. 27, 2023]. Getting to the point, the lawyers representing Link Logistics, Inc., in Maryland, refused the offer extended by the National Park Service ranger entrusted with resource protection to enter into an easement or access agreement. Essentially that is all I know. In the message I passed onto the ranger I told him, as now I share with you, that I will let the matter float for the time being, meaning I will not press it with the property management corporation.

As some may know, Civil War site preservation was kick-started in Virginia during the 1980s necessitating contests between Big Business and, at first simply citizens, some of the most prominent here in this area. Now, since it is in the hands of the NPS, my inclination is to give it all some time. Just because someone says “no” the first time does not automatically mean they will continue to say “no.” Given time to think it through, a “yes” can sprout.

Since this is the 160th commemoration of the Third Battle of Winchester, it was my hope we could have [still is] to wrap it up before Sept. 19, when Hastings was wounded. It is in a safe spot, so we need not worry. When more comes forth, I shall let the newspaper staff know or write another update, as deems fit either way.

Allan Tischler

Winchester, Virginia