American Battlefield Trust Celebrates Award of $1.267 Million by the Commonwealth of Virginia

(Richmond, Va.) — Today, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) announced that the American Battlefield Trust was awarded $1.267 million in grants through the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (VBPF) to protect a total of 97.8 acres at four historically significant battlefields — the Breakthrough at Petersburg, Chancellorsville, Kernstown and Chaffin’s Farm at New Market Heights.  In addition to the grants awarded for Trust acquisitions, then projects by two other nonprofits were also funded, for a total of $3.9 million in state grants to save 620 acres. Celebrating this news, Trust President David Duncan made the following statement:   

“Preserving the hallowed ground integral to America’s story can be a long and complex process, one that requires cooperation and partnership. We are deeply grateful to Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the Commonwealth of Virginia for ensuring that future generations of Americans can be inspired by these landscapes and their stories. This latest round of grants further cements the Old Dominion’s status as the leader in heritage land conservation, accelerating their efforts to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary.  

“For almost two decades, the Virginia General Assembly has allocated, and the Department of Historic Resources has awarded, more than $20 million in competitive matching grants, preserving more than 10,000 acres of battlefield land.  These grants enable nonprofit organizations like the American Battlefield Trust to participate in Virginia’s highly competitive private real estate market. We are honored to be among the groups that have been able to save hallowed ground as result of this program.” 

“Virginia has played a pivotal role in the history of our nation, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we preserve that history,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin in a release issued today. “By investing in these historic lands and making them accessible to the public, we are making sure the opportunity to experience Virginia’s rich history is available for generations to come.”  

“Virginia is committed to historic preservation and land conservation, and this is made evident by our investments in historic battlefield preservation,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles in the same release. “These significant investments provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and connect with Virginia’s rich history. Students, tourists, and families can come here and learn about the history of our nation and the role that Virginia has played.” 

Julie Langan, in her role as Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, administers the successful program. She noted: “Virginia’s legacy of battlefield preservation and stewardship is reaffirmed by these grant awards. DHR is proud to administer a state-funded competitive grant program that puts Virginia at the forefront of battlefield preservation and interpretation.” 

“I could not agree more,” added Duncan. “For decades, Virginia has been a visionary leader in its commitment to uplifting the battlefield sites within its borders. From the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, the Commonwealth of Virginia has more battlefield land, and more Medals of Honor awarded for combat action, than any other state in the Union. We laud their commitment to preservation and making these sites accessible to all Americans.” 

In addition to the Trust’s five grants targeted toward the protection of 97.8 acres at the Breakthrough at Petersburg, Chancellorsville, New Market Heights and Kernstown (two tracts), funding was awarded to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation for work in Frederick, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties and the Capital Region Land Conservancy for work in Henrico County.  All funding goes to compensate willing sellers for purchase of their properties so they can be preserved as battlefield parks. 

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected nearly 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org. 

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