Sherman's March To Wal-Mart

The swath of destruction to farmland and natural areas caused by urban sprawl in the American South is worse than the damage wrought by General Sherman's March to the Sea during the Civil War.

1 minute read

July 24, 2004, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


If people in South Carolina are ever going to take a stand, they had better do it fast. Sherman's soldiers had to follow country roads. The developers have Interstate 85. Four of the five most-sprawling metro areas in the nation, according to Smart Growth America, lie along this stretch of highway. Yet sprawl -- and the frustrations it causes -- could play a role in the upcoming elections. It is one of the biggest sleeper issues in American politics. As more citizens fume in snarled traffic (their lifestyle choice, according to the pro-growth crowd), a light may go on in their heads that says this didn't have to be. When it does, their anger will turn most likely on Republicans.

Thanks to Michael Dudley

Thursday, July 22, 2004 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

45 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

2 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

2 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.