"One of the most stupendous scenes of nature"
"Worth a voyage across the Atlantic"
Thomas Jefferson

Here is what is being said about The Journey.

The Nation’s Preeminent Historians Say…

“To walk along the battlefield and hallowed ground is to truly be an American. Thanks to the Journey, many more Americans will be able to feel that pride.”
    David McCullough, a Pulitzer Prize winning writer and historian

"This part of the country has soaked up more of the blood, sweat, and tears of American history than any other part of the country. It has bred more founding fathers, inspired more soaring hopes and ideals and witnessed more triumphs, failures, victories, and lost causes than any other place in the country."
    C. Vann Woodward, Yale University

“If any land in America deserves to be called Hallowed Ground, it is the red clay soil on which so much of this nation's past is preserved."
    Richard M. Ketchum, author and noted authority on the Revolutionary War

“This is the ground of our Founding Fathers. These are landscapes that speak volumes--small towns, churches, fields, mountains, creeks and rivers with names such as Bull Run and Rappahannock. They are the real thing, and what shame we will bring on ourselves if we destroy them"
    David McCullough, a Pulitzer Prize winning writer and historian

Leading Newspapers in the Journey Through Hallowed Ground are saying….

“We commend the designation and look forward to any federal help that could preserve and interpret the corridor’s unique role in our country’s foundation. The move signals more tourism possibilities locally, a golden opportunity that should be capitalized upon by government agencies, businesses and nonprofit groups.” – May 17, 2008
    Culpeper Star Exponent on JTHG National Heritage Area

“Thank you President Bush, Sen. Warner and Congressman Wolf for helping to preserve some of the special heritage here where we live and work.” – May 2008
    Loudoun Easterner

“… we believe the establishment of this corridor was a wise and farsighted example of preserving history for future generations. We salute those whose passion made it possible.” – May 2008
    Frederick News Post

“The JTHG inspires universal admiration because it represents America at it best.” - Oct. 21, 2006
    The Richmond Times Dispatch editorial

“We applaud the efforts of “The Journey Through Hallowed Ground” and are pleased to see so many Culpeper sites included on its list.” - March 21, 2007
    Culpeper Star Exponent

Our Supporters in Congress Say….

“The Journey Through Hallowed Ground is something that each and every citizen should have the chance to experience. The rich history of our nation can be traced directly to this corridor and I am proud to be a Partner in the effort to celebrate this hallowed ground.”
“[The Journey Through Hallowed Ground]….should be celebrated, and it is incumbent upon us to hold sacred these historic resources and share them with all of America and the World.  This land has been inspirational to American leaders for hundreds of years and this private-public sector initiative continues a tradition that speaks to the core of what I hold dear - our American values.
    Frank R. Wolf, Member of Congress

“The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area shines light on a region that holds great significance to the history of this Nation. I will continue to work with the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership and support efforts that bring opportunity to the region and its visitors.”

“This…initiative is an outstanding example of citizens and businesses working together to celebrate our remarkable American heritage and work intelligently to plan for future growth.  I endorse it full heartedly.”
     John Warner, U.S. Senator 

“I am extremely pleased that the Senate recognized the importance of Maryland and our regions’ unique place in our nation’s history. The creation of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area will provide a wonderful opportunity to ensure that future generations have a much better appreciation of America’s past and of Maryland’s important contributions to it.”
    Benjamin L. Cardin, U.S. Senator

Local Elected Officials have said…

The visionaries of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground have made a remarkable contribution to our Nation.  We will be forever grateful for their tireless effort to identify and preserve the people, places and ideas that made America.
     Teri L. Pace, Supervisor and Vice Chair
     Orange County Board of Supervisors

“Designating this region as a National Heritage Area is not only warranted, but will likewise benefit the citizens of our states by promoting our cultural attractions and supporting local businesses…By supporting these bills [H.R. 319, S.289], you will help ensure that some of our most significant historic sites and many of our Main Street communities are conserved, promoted and prosper in a way that provides visitors and citizens a seamless experience.” – February 25, 2007
    Governors Edward G. Rendell (PA), Martin O’Malley (MD),
    Joe Manchin (WV) and Tim Kaine (VA)

“As one of the early supporters of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership, I am writing to support your thoughtful consideration of sponsoring The Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area legislation.

A National Heritage Area designation is, by design, a means of supporting economic development by raising the national awareness of the vast heritage within our region.  This designation would allow this four state region to harness the economic power of those visitors and guide their activities in way that encourages them to visit The Journey and to stay longer in our localities. This designation will be a tremendous benefit to the citizens of Prince William County, by way of promoting our cultural attractions and supporting our local businesses.”  -  March 21, 2006
    Chairman Sean Cannoughton, Prince William Board of Supervisors
    To Senator George Allen

Authorities on National Heritage Areas on the JTHG National Heritage Area…

“In sum, H.R. 319 has been carefully drafted and refined to provide the framework for an effective partnership among all stakeholders, public and private, to pursue the preservation and productive use of the unique and irreplaceable heritage assets located in the proposed Journey Through Hallowed Ground Heritage Area. It is a model piece of legislation and deserves to be enacted into law.” – April 16, 2007
    John M. Fowler, Executive Director
    Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

“I am the direct descendent of a freed slave... To think that a National Heritage Area would in any way have authority over land held in private hands in simply untrue. That is evident by my family’s experience and I believe such rhetoric is used by folks who are either truing to intentionally mislead the public or who don’t know the facts….I firmly believe the JTHG will be a great benefit to the people of the country.”- April 19, 2007
    Terrel Delphine
    Owner of 16,000 acres in the Cane River National Heritage Area

The GAO on National Heritage Areas…

"National heritage areas do not appear to have directly affected the rights of property owners. To address property concerns, the designating legislation of 13 of the 24 heritage areas and management plans of at least 6 provide explicit assurances that the areas will not affect property owners' rights. However, some management plans encourage local governments to implement land use policies that are consistent with the heritage areas' plans and offer to aid their planning activities through matching grants. Property rights advocates fear that such provisions may allow heritage areas to indirectly influence zoning and land use planning in ways that could restrict owners' use of their property. Nevertheless, heritage area officials, Park Service headquarters and regional staff, and representatives of national property rights groups who we contacted were unable to provide us with any examples of a heritage area directly affecting--positively or negatively--private property use."
    2004 GAO Report "GAO-04-593T"

The Citizens of this Region Say…

“The signing of the legislation, by President Bush, to designate the Journey Through Hallowed Ground as a National Heritage Area gave us cause to celebrate.  The recognition of our heritage, scenic beauty, and stories that visitors can experience is a tremendous endorsement for our destination.  Additionally, the designation enables us to implement marketing initiatives through a matching funds program and leverage tourism marketing with our partners throughout the Journey Through Hallowed Ground. 

The Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association has been actively involved in the Journey Through Hallowed Ground since its inception.  The LCVA is excited about the opportunities now available as a result of the legislation and is hopeful that the All American Road designation will also be awarded later this year.”
    Cheryl Kilday, President & CEO
    Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association

“The work of the JTHG is of unparalleled importance and the successes many in such a short time.” 
    Kathleen Kilpatrick
    State Historic Preservation Officer, Virginia

“The corridor between Gettysburg, PA and Charlottesville, VA is so rich with heritage and any effort and success made with this project is an invaluable gift to future generations.”
    Alice Estrada, Executive Director
    Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.