Buffington Island Petition
Preserve our Heritage and History at Buffington Island Battlefield!
We, the undersigned, urge you to intervene in the matter of the destruction of Buffington Island Battlefield and the grave sites of Morgan's Raiders and other casualties who were buried in unmarked graves at various locations, possibly on or near the battlefield, after the Battle of Buffington on July 19, 1863.
Despite strong public opposition, the site has been scheduled to be mined by a gravel company as soon as the end of this summer.
Buffington is Ohio's only Civil War battlefield and the scene of one of only a few Civil War battles in which all branches of the Armed Forces were involved. Two future presidents, Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley, fought at Buffington Island.
This field of conflict is a living symbol, a historical legacy belonging to all Americans and thus a vital part of our shared national heritage - a place of rememberance in honor of those who gave their last full measure, hollowed ground that is worthy of our protection and respect.
We request that the State of Ohio takes every step in her power and applies whatever legal measures are
necessary, not only to preserve Buffington Island Battlefield for its citizens and the nation, but also to afford her immediate and unconditional protection to the American heros who may rest in Ohio's soil at Buffington.
We request that an in-depth study of the site will be conducted, utilizing more advanced technologies than the suggested metal
detector surveys, such as ground penetrating radar and thermal imaging, to positively exclude the possibility that any human remains will be mined along with the gravel.
We further request that descendants and various interested heritage organizations such as the SCV, UDC, SUVCW and MMA will be consulted in regard to human remains found at Buffington to ensure their respectful treatment and to guarantee that these soldiers will receive an appropriate burial site befitting American heroes.
It is not acceptable that American veterans may become part of a highway or parking lot, but it is preventable through your intervention.
Poor is the nation that has no heroes.
Shameful is the nation that has them and forgets.