November 11, 1993 – Disney Announces Plans for Disney America
“In ‘Disney America’ we will create a totally new concept using the different strengths of our entertainment company…to celebrate those unique American qualities that have been out country’s strengths and that have made this nation the beacon of hope to people everywhere.”
On November 11, 1993, Disney released a press release for the new Disney America project, which was to be located west of Washington DC in Prince William County. Disney had purchased a 3,000 acre site in the county, and announced that the park would be very different from its predecessors in terms of subject matter and presentation, as the focus would be on several different aspects of the country’s history. It was also announced that it would be home to several facilities dedicated to public forums and political debates. Highlights included Native America, which would explore the lives of “America’s first inhabitants;” Civil War Fort, which puts guests in the middle of a reenactment of the battle of the Monitor and Merrimac, and We the People, an area to explore the lives and cultures brought to America through Ellis Island. Over 3,000 jobs would have been created once the park was finished, and was estimated to open in 1998. However, due to several protests by citizens thanks to its location near several Civil War battlefields, the project was scrapped in 1994.
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