The Spotsylvania Planning Commission has approved a plan to save 75 acres of a Civil War battlefield from development.

The developer would sell the land on the former Mullins Farm to Civil War preservationists. In exchange, 196 homes -- or 33 more than currently allowed, would be built on the property near the Chancellorsville Battlefield.

The commission heard widespread support for the plan. Residents acknowledge that the county's growth will continue, so they'll have to preserve places that are historically important.

Jim Campi with the Civil War Preservation Trust says the land is the last section from the first day of fighting at Chancellorsville that can still be protected.

The issue now goes to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 5/18/2006

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