With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Battlelines drawn over Gettysburg casino

Battlelines are being drawn over plans to build a casino close to Gettysburg, the site of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, in what opponents say would be a desecration of sacred ground.

The American Legion veterans organisation called the plan a "national disgrace" but supporters said it would boost the local economy and help to halt a decline in visitors to the battlefield.

More than 160,000 men fought at Gettysburg from July 1-3, 1863. Around 8,000 Union and Confederacy soldiers lost their lives over the three days as they fought in and around the Pennsylvania town, with tens of thousands wounded.

The casino, which would have 600 slot machines and 50 gambling tables, would be half a mile from what is now preserved as the 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania....

Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)