Time Stands Still

Antelope Island- Whiterock Bay

I read last week that there are several sites that were historic Civil War battlegrounds that are now in danger of being lost to development. One of which is the battlefield of Gettysburg. I found this hard to believe, but it was true and there were many other sites listed as potential losses.

I am saddened to think that such historical sites are expendable to development, in most of these cases to houses. But it is also hard to say, why it cannot be developed. Someone legally buys the land, someone legally builds the houses and there is always someone there to legally buy them. I am sure the historical relevance will not be lost as streets will be named Robert E. Lee drive, Grant Ave, and Lincoln court. Just how much "hallowed ground" does a battle field need anyway, right?

It's not really my place to say, but I hope that those entrusted with protecting the sites are able to preserve not just the actual site but protect the feel and integrity of the memory of those events and that the forces that challenge them...well go away.

I feel it a lost when we have to fill in every empty spot around us. When an open field is always an endangered species. I am saddened that around our house, the foxes and pheasants will soon be gone as houses will take their place as well.

One consolation of living out West and being in the desert is that there are places that I believe will never see development. Our weekend visit to Antelope Island was refreshing as it was still in the wild. We saw the wildlife everywhere and no houses. Yet across the lake on the east bench on the Wasatch Mountains resides over one million people. Few venture out across the lake and visit the island. Few know or want to know of its natural beauty.

I am sure the overlook of Whiterock Bay will look the same in 100 years as it did 100 years ago. Rugged, desolate, yet a monument to places that man will never want and will never have.