Fort Pickett’s namesake is Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett, best remembered for a failed Confederate assault at Gettysburg that became known as Pickett’s Charge.
“Too often the threats to our priceless historical treasures go unnoticed,” said Trust President James Lighthizer. “This report is a rallying cry to the nation, a powerful reminder that our most hallowed ground may still be in imminent danger.”
The U.S. Navy was the best-prepared and best-equipped of all the country’s armed forces. For many years, it had been focusing much of its energy on preparing for a surface naval confrontation with Germany.
By David Longenbach, Pennsylvania State University