I've been following this interesting thread and with the latest post what
comes to mind is the frequent vandalism and desecration of "sacred soil" if
that soil is sacred to Native Virginians. When I've attended Pow Wows over
near West Point, I've heard complains of frequent trespassing and vandalism
by locals. Seems if the concept of "sacred soil" has historical
significance, it should be extended to everyone's "sacred soil".

                                 Anne

At 11:38 AM 2/19/02 -0400, David Kiracofe wrote:
>Virginians began designating sacred soil early in the 19th century as
>part of the development of American nationalism.  Jamestown was "sacred"
>as the birthplace of America -- it had the remains of the church tower
>and the ancient graveyard as visual points of reference.  Travellers
>visiting the site expressed a kind of "awe" and reverence for the place.
>Virginia was also "sacred" as the birthplace of George Washington, etc.
>This kind of nationalism was particularly competitive with other
>nationalist versions of the American story -- most notably of New
>England's "Pilgrim fathers" who were already being lauded and publicized
>as the "true" founders of America.
>
>Designating space as sacred was also part of the romantic impulse -- the
>same impulse that manifested itself in the "cult of southern chivalry"
>(complete with jousting) -- that sought distinctiveness on which to base
>character and identity.  The federal soldiers who bragged about invading
>Virginia's sacred soil knew they were hitting a nerve.
>
>David Kiracofe
>College of Charleston
>
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Anne Pemberton
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