Civil War Trust Reports Banner 2015

Originally published March 2016 · p. 24

WASHINGTON — The Civil War Trust reported that it protected nearly 1,700 acres of land in 13 states during 2015. Its four-year capital campaign raised $52.5 million — more than 30 percent above the original goal — resulting in more than 10,000 acres of preserved hallowed ground. President James Lighthizer said, “The private citizens who band together in support of preservation have saved more American history, educated more Americans, and created a more lasting legacy than ever before in this country.” Working closely with willing landowners and preservation partners, the Trust completed 40 transactions at 29 battlefield sites: Elkin’s Ferry, Ark.; Sand Creek, Colo.; Chickamauga, Ga.; Mill Springs and Perryville, Ky.; Antietam and Monocacy, Md.; Also, Lexington and Concord, Mass.; Brice’s Cross Roads, Champion Hill and Corinth, Miss.; Princeton, N.J.; Wyse Fork, N.C.; Gettysburg, Pa.; Chattanooga, Shiloh and Stones River, Tenn.; And, Cedar Creek, Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Gaines’ Mill, Glendale, Kernstown, Second Deep Bottom, Third Winchester, Trevilian Station, White Oak Road and Williamsburg, Va.; and Shepherdstown, W.Va. The Trust also announced the completed restoration of 56 acres at

Brandy Station battlefield’s Fleetwood Hill and the transfer of 11 acres to Vicksburg National Military Park (both December 2015 CWN). In January 2015, the Trust made the second largest acquisition in its history, permanently protecting the site of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Battle of Gettysburg headquarters. These transactions helped bring the Trust’s total preservation achievements to more than 42,000 acres saved in 22 states. The Trust’s Campaign 1776 project, the first national initiative to preserve and interpret Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 battlefields, celebrated its first anniversary in November 2015. In June, Campaign 1776 launched a fundraising campaign for a critical acre of land adjacent to Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Mass. The Trust contributed to a grant for archaeological study of the land that revealed new information about the Battles of Lexington and Concord. A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the transfer of 4.6 acres of land to Princeton Battlefield State Park. The Trust also promoted greater appreciation and understanding of America’s conflicts through its educational programs and digital offerings. The Trust website received almost 8 million unique visitors, a 36 percent increase over 2014.

The 360 battlefield panoramas allowed viewers to digitally tour historic sites. A new animated map video depicts the entire Civil War. In June the Trust launched its Generations Program, a new series of events and online resources giving adults tools to share history with the young people in their lives. “Our videos, apps, and particularly the new Generations program all help ensure today’s youth understand the importance of preserving battlefields for tomorrow,” said Lighthizer. The Trust renewed its Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accreditation and received a Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. In addition, the Trust maintained its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth straight year — an honor attained by only 3 percent of charities the organization assessed. Hallowed Ground, the Trust’s membership magazine, again earned top honors through the APEX Awards for Publication Excellence — its seventh consecutive Grand Award. The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of American battlegrounds. To date it has preserved more than 42,000 battlefield acres in 23 states. Learn more at www.civilwar.org.