Carolina Beach Mayor LeAnn Pierce said there were discussions about tying the new park to the Civil War in name over concerns that it might overshadow its preservation mission.
Ultimately, the town wanted to honor Mr. Lewis Jr. and his family's wish to not hide from the site's Civil War history but rather embrace it it as an educational opportunity.
"My stance is, and I know that everyone might not agree, is that if we erase history, how are we going to teach future generations about it?" Pierce said. "With this park, future generations can actually see this history in person and learn from it. There is so much history here."
Over the years, the town flirted with the idea of using the property for other projects, but the historical society and Lewis family held officials to the agreement on the park.
"Seeing this park opening is knowing that his dream has come true," Henson said.
--Old B-Runner
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