Hello My name is Blake Stough, and I trying to save one of the country's most valuable historic landmarks.  Camp Security, located east of the City of York, in Springettsbury Township, York County, Pennsylvania, is the last remaining prisoner-of-war camp from the Revolutionary War.  The camp consisted of a stockade prison and a village area.  This village area was where model prisoners and their families were located.  Prisoners were able to work for local residents, due to a "parole" program.  This reduced the need for camp supplies. Tim Pasch, a local developer, would like to purchase this site to build $300,000 homes.  While a small portion of the site would be undeveloped, it would be surrounded by homes, and under control of the homeowners association.  This would make it impossible for any future study of the site. In 2000, Camp Security was listed as one of Pennsylvania's most endangered sites by Preservation Pennsylvania.  The story of the camp is kept alive by local legend and written documents.  There was an archaeological study done at the site in 1979, which resulted in the discovery of domestic and military artifacts.  Archaeological study's were also done in 2000, which revealed earthworks associated with the camp.  This study also showed how large the Camp Security site is.  This evidence proves Camp Security has local and national significance and meets requirements to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Camp Security has all the means to tell the story of Revolutionary War prisons, and also York County's role in the war.  One thing we can learn is how the prisoners lived and interacted with the local residents.  The artifacts found to date, and the others that still lie in the ground, can be studied and used to tell the story of the war, as well as the lives of the men that lived there. My ancestor, John Andreas Stauch, more commonly known as Andrew Stough, was a guard at Camp Security.  His pension records document his service, as well as his duties at the camp.  I was not an active part of this fight until just recently.  There are no buildings or related landmarks to see anymore, and that causes people to forget what was once there.  I was one of those people, but realized how wrong I was. I recently met with Ron Bissett, who also had an ancestor at the camp.  Ron traveled to the area from his residence in Canada.  He came to see the site where Camp Security stood, and also see what can be done to save the site.  Ron and I have many things in common when it comes to this topic.  Both of our ancestors were named Andrew, as well as our 5th great-grandfather.  They were also at the camp at the same time, mine as a guard, and his as a prisoner.  We walked the site together as friends, while our ancestors did the same, as enemies.  This made it very emotional for both of us. I am asking for your assistance in saving this historic treasure.  By developing this site, we will be destroying part of our nations history.  On May 24, 2001, at 6:30PM, the Springettsbury Township Board of Supervisor's will be voting on this issue.  Mr. Pasch's agreement with the properties owner expires at the end of May.  After that, the owner will not make further arrangements with the developer, but will sell the property to someone that will preserve the site.  Your assistance with this matter is needed.  I will be attending the meeting on May 24 to voice my concerns.  I hope you will voice your as well.  If you cannot attend, I will gladly submit your opinion in letter form.  I have done this in the past with other issues, and the result was positive.  You may send letters to me via email or my mailing address.  Feel free to contact me at any time.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Blake Stough 227 Rockdale Ave. York, PA 17403 (717) 848-4073 [email protected]