American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was a main reason for the protests against establishing Disney's American theme park in Haymarket, VA in 1993?

1. The new park would cause the downtown to further deteriorate.

2. The new park would have a negative impact on Civil War battlefields.

3. The new park was too close to another Great America's Six Flags Theme Park.

4. The new park would impact inadequate transportation systems.

The correct answer is: The new park would have a negative impact on Civil War battlefields.

The main reason for the protests against establishing Disney's American theme park in Haymarket, VA, was the potential negative impact on Civil War battlefields. This concern stemmed from the historical significance of the sites in the area, which hold great importance for American heritage and preservation. The proposed development raised alarms among historians, preservationists, and local residents who were worried that the theme park’s infrastructure and visitor traffic would disrupt the integrity of these historically protected landscapes. Engaging with the history and honoring the memories of those battles was critical, leading to strong opposition from various stakeholders who believed that commercializing the area could undermine its historical value. The other concerns about downtown deterioration, proximity to other amusement parks, and transportation system inadequacies were relevant discussions, but they did not resonate as strongly as the intense historical sensitivity regarding the Civil War sites. The discussions about historical contexts emphasize the importance of preserving national heritage when considering new developments, especially those of significant scale like a Disney theme park.