Data center proposal raises concerns over Civil War battlefield in Dinwiddie
A proposed data center project, the Haven Oak Tech Park, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, is facing community concern. A portion of the site includes the White Oak Road Civil War Battlefield, raising fears about the destruction of historic earthworks. The county is currently reviewing the proposal.
Dinwiddie County is currently reviewing a proposal to build the Haven Oak Tech Park, a data center development that has sparked mounting concern among residents. A significant portion of the proposed property lies within the White Oak Road Battlefield, a site of Civil War-era earthworks and trenches.
Historic preservationist Zachary Pittard explained that these extant Confederate entrenchments represent tangible evidence from the Siege of Petersburg and the campaigns for Petersburg and Richmond, which were characterized by constant maneuvering, marching, fighting, and digging fortifications. Residents expressed disapproval, stating it's not a good look for the developing company or the country, especially concerning veterans.
The applicant for the Haven Oak Tech Park project acknowledges the significance of these cultural resources. They propose that if the project were approved, multiple steps would be taken to preserve the earthworks, including 100-foot setbacks, with only a few small exceptions. However, critics argue that a 100-foot setback is insufficient, comparing it to less than a football field.