Preservation Group Forms American Battlefield Trust

Originally published July 2018 · p. 1

The Civil War Trust, a national nonprofit preservation group recognized for its success in saving battlefield land, has formed the American Battlefield Trust, a new umbrella entity dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The new umbrella organization reflects how the Civil War Trust’s battlefield preservation achievements have grown and its mission expanded to include other conflicts from America’s formative first century. In 2014, at the request of the National Park Service, the Trust extended its mandate to include protection of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields. Its decision to do so coincided with the passage of federal legislation aimed at preserving battlefields of those two conflicts. Since then, the Trust has saved nearly 700 acres of battlefield land associated with the American Revolution and War of 1812 while continuing to save Civil War battle sites at a record pace. “We see preserved battlefields as outdoor classrooms that both illuminate and inspire,” said American Battlefield Trust President James Lighthizer. “They allow young and old alike to walk in the footsteps of America’s first citizen soldiers. No Hollywood movie, documentary, or museum exhibit can compare to standing amid the now-quiet trenches of Yorktown or gazing across the field of Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg.” The Civil War Trust will continue as the principal division under the American Battlefield Trust umbrella, focusing on battlefields and educational outreach related to that conflict. A second division known as the Revolutionary War Trust will serve a similar function, concentrating on battlefields associated with America’s War for Independence. According to Lighthizer, “this new organizational structure gives us the strength and flexibility needed to protect critically important battlefield land in an increasingly competitive real estate market.” The formation of the American Battlefield Trust is the latest step in the evolution of the modern battlefield preservation movement that began in the mid-1980s in response to the loss of important historic sites to spreading commercial and residential development. The new entity is a direct descendant, through a series of mergers and name changes, of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, founded by professional historians and preservation advocates in 1987. The organization is best known for its high-profile battlefield preservation efforts, including protecting the historic epicenter of the Antietam battlefield, the Slaughter Pen Farm at Fredericksburg, and Robert E. Lee’s battlefield headquarters at Gettysburg. In addition, as the Civil War Trust, it engaged in grassroots campaigns to prevent development at Chancellorsville and the Wilderness in Virginia; Franklin, Tenn.; Princeton, N.J.; and Morris Island, S.C. (site of the 54th Massachusetts charge portrayed in the movie Glory). “Over those years and under a variety of names, we saved nearly 50,000 acres of battlefield land

Built in 1832, Schmucker Hall figured prominently in the Battle of Gettysburg’s opening, and today houses the Seminary Ridge Museum. Nearby, the Civil War Trust is working to acquire 18 battlefield acres on the ridge from the United Lutheran Seminary.

throughout the United States, while earning accolades for being one of the most efficient and effective nonprofits in the nation,” Lighthizer said. “Now, as the American Battlefield Trust, we will continue that tradition of preservation leadership.” The first project undertaken by the Civil War Trust under the American Battlefield Trust banner is a $3.5 million national campaign to save 18 acres on historic Seminary Ridge at Gettysburg. The project is the result of a deal between the Trust and the United Lutheran Seminary (formerly known as the Lutheran Theological Seminary) at Gettysburg. The land to be saved is part of the ground where the Union army made its last stand on the first day of the three-day battle, the deadliest of the Civil War. According to Lighthizer, “This is without a doubt one of the most important historic preservation efforts in our organization’s history.” The Trust will acquire 11 acres outright, and conserve seven more acres along Chambersburg Pike via an easement. The land is adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park property and Lee’s Headquarters. The Trust acquired the headquarters in 2015 and has since restored the site and its 1833 building to their wartime appearance. The Seminary Ridge agreement between the Seminary and the Trust means the Gettysburg community will retain a favorite gathering place for annual events, including Independence Day fireworks viewing, the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival, and Gettysburg Brewfest. The Seminary is the oldest continuously operating Lutheran seminary in the nation. Its 1832 building at Gettysburg, Schmucker Hall, figured prominently in the battle’s opening day. Today, the structure houses the Seminary Ridge Museum. For more information about the American Battlefield Trust, please visit www.battlefields.org