To authorize the establishment of memorials to the Wisconsin infantry officers and enlisted men who fought in the Battle of Antietam and the Second Battle of Bull Run, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 10, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 7495 authorizes the creation of two new Civil War memorials in national parks, funded entirely by non-federal sources, with federal responsibility for maintenance post-installation.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to permit the establishment of two new memorials within existing National Battlefield Parks. One memorial would honor Wisconsin infantry regiments at Antietam National Battlefield, and another at Manassas National Battlefield Park, commemorating their service in the Battles of Antietam and Second Bull Run, respectively. Crucially, the bill explicitly prohibits the use of federal funds for the design, acquisition, site preparation, or installation of these memorials, placing the financial responsibility entirely on non-federal entities.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides a fitting and long-overdue tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Wisconsin soldiers who played critical roles in pivotal Civil War battles. They contend that establishing these memorials in national parks ensures their preservation and accessibility for future generations, while the prohibition on federal funding for establishment demonstrates fiscal responsibility and relies on private patriotism.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while honoring historical figures is important, adding new memorials to already established national battlefields could alter the historical landscape or dilute the existing interpretive focus. Some may also raise concerns about the long-term federal maintenance costs, even if initial establishment is privately funded, or question the precedent of authorizing privately funded monuments on federal land without a clearer national significance framework.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 1(a)
Authorization for Wisconsin Infantry Memorials
This provision directs the Secretary of the Interior to allow the creation of two distinct memorials. One will be located at Antietam National Battlefield, honoring specific Wisconsin infantry regiments (2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th) for their service in the Battle of Antietam. The second memorial will be placed at Manassas National Battlefield Park, commemorating other Wisconsin regiments (2nd, 6th, 7th) involved in the Second Battle of Bull Run.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures that the significant contributions of Wisconsin's infantry regiments to these crucial Civil War battles are permanently recognized and preserved within the national park system, offering educational value and a place of reflection.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the concept of honoring historical military units, but some might express general concerns about the proliferation of monuments within national parks without a comprehensive master plan.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire to honor specific historical contributions with the need to manage the aesthetic and interpretive integrity of national park landscapes.
Section 1(d)
No Federal Funds for Memorial Establishment
This section explicitly prohibits the use of any federal money for the initial stages of the memorials. This includes designing the monuments, purchasing them, preparing the ground where they will stand, or installing them. All these costs must be covered by non-federal sources.
Section 1(g)
Secretary of Interior to Maintain Memorials
Once the memorials are fully installed, this provision mandates that the Secretary of the Interior will take over their ongoing care and upkeep. The Secretary is also permitted to accept donations specifically for the maintenance of these memorials, and these funds will be managed through a separate account with the National Park Foundation.