On December 9, 1999, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the United States government, filed a complaint in condemnation to acquire the National Tower so that the National Park Service could accomplish its preservation goals for Gettysburg National Military Park. The court granted the National Park Service possession of the property on June 15th.

The removal of the tower coincides with the start of a major effort on the part of the Gettysburg National Military Park to restore the famous battlefield to its appearance at the time of the momentous 1863 clash between the Union army of General George G. Meade and the Confederate army under General Robert E. Lee.

Over the next 15-20 years, the new General Management Plan proposes a significant battlefield restoration, including removal of non-historic trees, management of woodlands and thickets, and restoration of missing fences and orchards, which will enable historians and visitors to more clearly understand and study what took place here in1863, when the Union army repulsed the final Confederate invasion of the north.

"The removal of the tower inaugurates the restoration of the Gettysburg battlefield, called for in the park's new General Management Plan," said Dr. John A. Latschar, Superintendent of the Gettysburg National Military Park. "This is truly a great day for everyone who cares about our nation's sacred ground."   Controlled Demolition Incorporated (CDI) and the Loizeaux family of Baltimore, Maryland are donating their services to demolish the tower with explosives. The donation, valued by NPS at $1 million, is being made through the non-profit preservation group, Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg. CDI's donation is the single largest corporate contribution toward preservation in the park's 105-year history.  "The Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg are pleased to accept this donation of services from Controlled Demolition, Inc, " said FNPG President Barbara Finfrock. "Our challenge, as Gettysburg National Military Park's partner in restoring the battlefield, has an appropriate beginning with the demolition of the National Tower."

The tower is scheduled to come down at approximately 5 p.m. on July 3. Historians note that it will be only moments from the time on July 3, 1863 when Union forces repulsed Pickett's Charge on Cemetery Ridge. In the interest of public safety, there will be a substantial restricted area around the tower, but park officials stressed that there still will be plenty of safe viewing areas for interested residents, historians and park visitors.

To prepare for the removal of the tower, officials of the GNMP and representatives of CDI have met with local residents and property owners within the safety and restricted zone to assure them that safety will be the highest priority during the July 3 removal.

Congressional legislation in 1990 added the tower property to the Gettysburg National Military Park, due to the national significance of the property. In 1993, after public review, the National Park Service published a Land Protection Plan that identified the tower property as a high priority for acquisition. In 1999, Congress appropriated the funds for acquisition of the tower.

For information contact Gettysburg National Military Park's Office of Public Affairs at 717-334-1124, ext. 452.  Gettysburg National Military Park is a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and protects the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the Soldier's National Cemetery and provides an understanding of the events that occurred there within the context of American History.   Information is available at www.nps.gov/gett .   

The Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg (FNPG) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. FNPG's mission is to support, protect, and enhance, on behalf of all generations of American people, the resources associated with the National Parks at Gettysburg, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Eisenhower Farm. FNPG has a current nationwide membership of 21,000 members and
supporters, and maintains an office in Gettysburg, PA. Information is available at www.friendsofgettysburg.org .  More information about Controlled Demolition Incorporated is
available at www.controlled-demolition.com .