Bill Overview
Title: Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act
Description: This bill designates as the Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park the defenses constructed at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861 as a ring of fortifications in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and northern Virginia to protect the nation's capital. The park shall include all areas associated with the Civil War defenses of Washington currently owned by the federal government and under the administration of the National Park Service, including Battleground National Cemetery. Certain eligible sites and certain additional sites associated with the Civil War defenses of Washington may become affiliated with the park pursuant to a cooperative agreement under this bill. The Department of the Interior shall study and consider creative and cost-effective ways to facilitate how the storied history of the Civil War for both the North and the South, including the history of the defenses of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, can be assembled, arrayed, and conveyed for the benefit of the public.
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in or affected by Civil War park designation
Estimated Size: 9000000
- The general public interested in history and cultural heritage will have improved access and educational resources.
- Historians, educators, and students who study the Civil War will gain a more integrated archive of resources to examine.
- Local residents in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and northern Virginia will potentially see changes in land use or tourism dynamics.
- Tourists visiting the area may have an enhanced experience.
- Park employees and federal government workers may experience changes in their roles or in funding scenarios.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily focused on enhancing historical and cultural access, which means its direct impact financially and emotionally will be felt by individuals whose lives intersect with these areas. This includes those with interests in history, those who live near the historical sites, and employees engaged with the park or related tourism industry.
- Considering the budgetary limits, there may be infrastructure developments, educational programs, and innovative exhibitions, potentially generating slight to moderate economic changes locally. Yet, budget constraints might limit the scope of immediate physical changes, focusing more on experiential or informational improvements.
- The majority of the direct impact will be upon those in the local vicinity (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) and those professionally or recreationally linked to historical study or tourism. However, wide-ranging indirect benefits such as educational content creation could affect a broader national audience.
Simulated Interviews
Park Ranger (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe designating this area as a National Historical Park will bring more awareness and visitors.
- It might finally get the funding it deserves to preserve these historical sites properly.
- As a ranger, I'm looking forward to potentially expanded duties and educational programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Civil War Historian (Charlottesville, VA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The park designation could centralize resources and improve accessibility for my research.
- However, I worry about how the narrative of the Civil War will be presented—it's important to include diverse perspectives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
High School History Teacher (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designating the area as a National Park could mean better educational materials and opportunities for my students.
- There might be more field trip opportunities, which could enhance learning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Freelance Tour Guide (Richmond, VA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this could increase tourism and give more business to folks like me who specialize in historical tours.
- Hopeful for new informational materials or partnerships with the park.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (Arlington, VA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this park can attract more visitors, it could boost my cafe's revenue.
- But, increased tourism means I might have to hire more staff or expand, which is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Military Officer (Fredericksburg, VA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fully support the preservation of history, so this designation is positive.
- There might be more veterans and public engagement with military history, which is beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Curator (Alexandria, VA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The park status could mean more artifacts and resources are made available for display.
- Concerned about how this may impact narrative balance and representation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Bethesda, MD)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy about more centralized resources being available for research.
- I hope this means better funding and access to previously difficult-to-find archives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Maryland)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Curious to see how the $113 million will be allocated over 10 years.
- Concerned whether this policy might divert funds from other important federal programs in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Educator (Washington D.C.)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am thrilled that more people might get access to learn about the Civil War through this initiative.
- I hope this makes local history more appealing to youth and visitors alike.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $11000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $13000000)
Year 10: $11500000 (Low: $9500000, High: $13500000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $17000000)
Key Considerations
- The integration of non-contiguous sites may complicate management and lead to variable cost points.
- Job creation through park service expansion could have long-term economic benefits.
- Possible historical or cultural significance of sites being integrated or affiliated requires careful examination.