Shepherdstown Battlefield added to the Civil War Trails program
Originally published March 2020 · p. 10
Civil War Trails, Inc. has teamed with Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association to add their site to the popular program. The new sign is located along River Road, just east of Shepherdstown. Look for the West Virginia Civil War Trails sign to help guide your way. The Civil War Trails program connects visitors to more than 1,200 sites across six states. The program’s signature signs bring the modern landscape to life as visitors stand in the footsteps of soldiers, citizens, and those fighting to gain their freedom. Each Civil War Trails site is marketed internationally by state tourism offices, destination marketing organizations, and municipal partners. The program is experiencing record visitation and immense growth since the Sesquicentennial. “I am delighted to see the addition of this new site in Shepherdstown, WV, bringing the total number of sites in Jefferson County to 16,” said Annette Gavin Bates, the CEO of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The Civil War Trails program is a vital partner of the Jefferson County CVB and our mission to provide the visitor an educational and fun experience as they follow in the footsteps of history.” Increasing visitation to historic sites provides a strong revenue resource for location jurisdictions through sales, meals, and lodging taxes. “As our visitors average age declines their travel interests and spending habits are becoming more specific,” said Drew Gruber, Executive Director of Civil War Trails. “Shepherdstown is a great example of what our younger visitors are after. A battlefield presents not just a connection with the past but open space to hike or paddle right next door to a historic downtown with great shops and food.” A survey by the National Trust of Historic Preservation showed that millennial travelers are motivated to spend more in historic locations than elsewhere. Working with the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association (SBPA) is focused on preserving the site that stretches for more than a mile along the banks of the Potomac River and includes approximately 500 acres of core battlefield. Their organization relies on donations, grants, and partnerships to conserve and interpret the landscape. Most recently the group negotiated a 24 acre conservation easement helping to secure more of the property. SBPA President Stephen Alemar mentioned that, “we are optimistic that national legislation will soon be completed that will incorporate our site into the National Park Service.” This partnership in Jefferson County is part of a much wider effort in West Virginia. “West Virginia’s statehood is a direct result of the Civil War, making our many trails, battlefields, and reenactments an important part of our tourism industry,” Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby said. “We continue to see interest from visitors looking to experience our rich history, and thanks to the support of the Civil War Trails organization, we’re able to mark and promote these stops to new travelers every day.” The West Virginia Tourism Office partners with four other state travel offices to promote the Civil War Trails program, its sites, and create itineraries for travelers looking for all that the state has to offer. A new West Virginia Civil War Trails map is currently under development; Civil War Trails has launched a GPS enabled page on their website to aid visitors in their quest to find these sites. More information can be had by calling the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 304-5352627 or Civil War Trails, Inc. at 757-378-5462. Connect with us on social media @civilwartrails #openairmuseum @livelovejcwv #almostheaven.
