Local opponents of the mall organized the "Save the Battlefield Coalition" with area activist Annie Snyder at the helm.
Annie Snyder
The Coalition armed themselves with letters, petitions, a rally, and intense national and international media exposure. They set up tables, collected petition signatures and sold t-shirts, bumper stickers and other items to support the protection of this historic ground.
The opposing forces included the developer, John "Til" Hazel, and the Prince William Board of Supervisors, headed by Chairperson Kathleen K. Seefeldt, who argued that the proposal would generate many jobs and increase the tax base in the county.
Kathleen K. Seefeldt
The National Park Service remained neutral during the debate. Soon several politicians joined the ranks of the "Save the Battlefield Coalition" and vowed a fight to the finish.
