SVBF Seeks Funds For 23 Acres At McDowell

Originally published March 2016 · p. 25

SVBF Seeks Funds For 23 Acres At McDowell NEW MARKET, Va. — The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) is raising funds to buy 23 acres of core McDowell Battlefield land. The May 8, 1862, battle in Highland County is considered the first victory in Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign. Historian Edwin C. Bearss calls it “arguably the most important battle in Jackson’s masterful 1862 Campaign.” Because of his victory Jackson could march to Richmond to join Gen. Robert E. Lee and push Union forces under Gen. George McClellan to Harrison’s Landing on the James River during the Seven Days’ Campaign. Chief Executive Officer Keven M. Walker said the SVBF needs $160,000 to cover the $150,000 purchase plus transaction costs. A $60,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia leaves $90,000 to be raised. Trustees and donors have pledged to match up to $25,000 while the foundation staff also has pledged a donation. The 23-acre tract is between land the SVBF helped preserve and battle land that the Lee-Jackson Foundation preserved. Civil War Trust President James

Lighthizer endorsed the purchase, noting, “This land, when added to what has already been saved there by our two organizations as well as others, will put us even closer to one of our main objectives: substantially completing this historic battlefield.” Walker said the 23-acre tract, which is along the Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike, is “one of the last few parcels in the heart of the battlefield that is not yet preserved.” The 82nd Ohio and the 3rd West Virginia Infantry regiments were sent across this ground and up along the Parkersburg Pike by Brig. Gen. Robert Schenck in an attempt to turn the right flank of Jackson’s defensive line on Sitlington’s Hill. Near the eastern end of the tract the 3rd West Virginia encountered the 31st Virginia. Both regiments had companies that had formed in the Clarksburg, western Virginia, area. “When the fighting ensued, these opposing units came so close to one another on both sides that soldiers remembered recognizing old friends – friends who were now mortal enemies,” said Walker. Donations may be made at Shenandoahatwar.org or mailed to PO Box 897, New Market, VA 22844.