CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST

Sponsor:                                                             Board of Supervisors Meeting Date:

Larry L. Weeks, Scott District Supervisor                                       November 17, 2003

Staff Lead:                                                                                        Department:

Richard Calderon, Senior Planner                                            Community Development

Topic:

A Resolution to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources and the National Park Service Supporting the Inclusion of New Baltimore on the Virginia Landmarks and National Registers

Topic Description:

On October 27, 2003 , the Virginia Department of Historic Resources conducted an evening public hearing and informational meeting regarding the merits of including the Village of New Baltimore on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. This hearing was conducted in the Marshall Community Center .  Property owners and community representatives received a briefing from the County’s architectural consultant, Maral Kalbian, and responded positively to her report. 

Mrs. Kalbian had found and demonstrated that New Baltimore represents a significant collection of historic structures that trace the development of travel and commerce in the first years following ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and a very rare 185 year architectural record.  Her detailed research also revealed that New Baltimore repeatedly hosted many of the great figures of the American Revolution and the early Republic.  She also found grounds to include an adjacent farm as both the parent track of the community and as the rural complement for the exchange of services with New Baltimore.  In short, the New Baltimore district possesses a historical significance not only for the Commonwealth of Virginia , but also for the United States .

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will present these findings to the Commonwealth Board of Historic Resources on December 3, 2003 .  The Department has indicated that a letter of support from the County would be of value to the Board.

The Village of New Baltimore is located in the Scott Magisterial District.

Requested Action of the Board of Supervisors:

Consider adoption of the attached resolution.  

Financial Impacts Analysis:

No impact analysis was performed.  However, designation of these communities on the Commonwealth and National Registers should enhance Fauquier County as a tourist destination.  Property owners in the community may be eligible for certain Commonwealth and Federal tax credits.

Identify any other Departments, Organizations or Individuals that would be affected by this request:

Property owners in the community.

RESOLUTION

A Resolution to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources and the National Park Service Supporting the Inclusion of New Baltimore on the Virginia Landmarks and National Registers

WHEREAS, New Baltimore was founded by an act of the Virginia Legislature in 1822 to recognize the earlier formation of the community; and

WHEREAS, New Baltimore prospered as a stage coach rest-stop along the then newly constructed Alexandria Turnpike, and in August 1825, New Baltimore hosted overnight the Revolutionary War heroes, the Marquis de la Fayette, John Marshall and James Monroe during the Marquis’ return visit to the United States; and

WHEREAS, New Baltimore thereafter accommodated Andrew Jackson as he commuted between his home in Tennessee and Washington , during the term of his Presidency; and

WHEREAS, New Baltimore has preserved, and maintained uninterupted, a community life for over 185 years, and now possesses a unique collection of structures dating from the time of our Nation’s founding until today; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors this 17^th day of November 2003, that the Board hereby supports and encourages the Virginia Board of Historic Resources to include the Village of New Baltimore , located in the Scott Magisterial District, in the Virginia Landmarks Register; and be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Virginia Board of Historic Resources recommend to the National Park Service, due to the established and unique history and National significance of the Village of New Baltimore , that this community be enrolled in the National Register of Historic Places.