America Battlefield Trust Preserve. Educate. Inspire.

Originally published July-August 2024 · pp. 66–69

Wilderness Battlefield and Minute Man National Historic Park Among the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the U.S. Two of the nation’s profound battlefield sites, Wilderness Battlefield and Minute Man National Historical Park, have once again found themselves listed among the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the United States. The designation serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to preserve these landscapes from the pressure of urban sprawl and development. Announced by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in its annual listing, these battlefield areas, though partially shielded within units of the National Park System, require immediate action for their protection. Known for its pivotal role in the 1864 Civil War Overland Campaign, the Wilderness stands as a testament to a turning point in the nation’s history. Yet, this hallowed ground is currently facing the looming threat of a 2,600-acre mixeduse development, that would essentially transform this land in Orange County, Virginia, into an expansive industrial data center and warehouse distribution building space. The Trust is currently the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit to overturn the rezoning previously approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Notably, this isn’t the first time the Wilderness has faced such issues. In 2010, the battlefield narrowly escaped the threat of a Walmart supercenter. Through concerted efforts, Walmart ultimately chose to build elsewhere, donating the original site to the Commonwealth of Virginia, demonstrating the ability to harmonize development and preservation. Meanwhile, Minute Man National Historical Park, in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, finds itself in the shadow of Hanscom Field, the region’s largest noncommercial airport, which seeks to expand by adding a half-million square feet of impervious infrastructure, including 17 new hangars. As the park stands in the takeoff and landing flight paths to and from Hanscom, the expansion threatens to add increased flight traffic, which, in turn, could add to noise and visual intrusions at the Park, vehicular traffic, air quality and other environmental concerns. This isn’t the first time Minute Man has grappled with the effects of the airport before; it was previously on the Most Endangered list back in 2003. To learn more or speak out against these threats, visit www.battlefields.org/preserve/speak-out.

Prevent Developers from Paving Over TwiceHallowed Ground at Fredericksburg

The Trust has an extraordinary opportunity to save seven and a half acres of twice-hallowed ground that it has coveted for years. The land has significance in the two battles of Fredericksburg and was the site of artillery positions, observation areas, and command posts. Plus, it’s only a short walk from General Lee’s Headquarters atop Telegraph Hill, which is adjacent to National Park Service land. Unfortunately, the Trust isn’t the only one with eyes on it. With the land’s current zoning allowing for considerable residential construction, developers have been standing by for their chance at the property. Lucky for the Trust, when the landowner announced that he was ready to sell, he took the organization up on the chance to preserve a piece of our past rather than pave over it. The Trust now has a contract with the landowner, but this prime real estate comes at a cost. Over the course of three years, we will be paying $1.525 million—and the first installment of $500,000 is quickly approaching. With townhouses directly across the street from this property, it is easy to see the impact we can make if we stand together to prevent inappropriate development on and near to hallowed ground. Time and again, we have saved heart-wrenching and tide-turning On May 1, history preservation leaders from across the U.S. history. gathered for a press conference to announce the Wilderness Fredericksburg was the scene of deadly Battlefield’s appearance on the 11 Most Endangered Historic combat, first, in December 1862, and again, Place list for 2024. (Photo by American Battlefield Trust.)

Gilbert, chaperones, and some 115 sixth graders boarded buses early April 18 for their trip to Petersburg, Va. They explored the 424acre Pamplin Historical Park, which includes the Break-through Site at the Petersburg Battlefield. The students were able to soak in the full measure of the park’s fascinating heritage. They felt and heard the experience of battle in the park’s award-winning National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. They walked in the footsteps of soldiers and saw entrenchments built during the Siege of Petersburg. The History Field Trip Grant Program allows K-12 educators to apply for funding to offset the cost of day-trip field trips to battlefields, museums, and other historic sites related to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. Grants range from The sun shines bright on the Fredericksburg Battlefield. (Photo $250 to $3,000, and can be applied toward by Chris Landon.) transportation costs, admission fees, and in May 1863. The December battle, a Confederate victory, reasonable fees for presenters and guides. was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War and featured the Born out of a belief that all students should be granted the first opposed river crossing in American military history, unique learning experience that can occur through quality while the following May saw Union forces overwhelm on-site education, the History Field Trip Grant Program was General Lee’s holding force during the Chancellorsville first conceived in 2014, beginning in earnest the following Campaign. year. It has grown steadily since, underwritten by donations To stand with the Trust against inappropriate development from Trust members, with just under 800 total trips funded and save a piece of the past at Fredericksburg, learn more or through the competitive application process. In total, it has donate at www.battlefields.org/preserve. sent school children to 205 historic sites in 43 states, with more than 60 percent of the classrooms impacted across 37 Trust Celebrates a Milestone: 50K Students states and the District of Columbia in Title One schools.

Nationwide Served Through History Field Trip Grant Program

28th Annual Park Day in the Books!

When teacher Erin Gilbert and her colleagues at White Oaks Elementary School in Fairfax County, Va., set a syllabus and planned their year, they had no idea that their application to the Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program would ultimately push that initiative past a remarkable milestone: 50,000 children served.

On April 6, volunteers, both young and old, converged upon our nation’s historic sites and battlefields for the American Battlefield Trust’s Park Day, helping these locations gear up for the impending flux of warm weather tourists. From coast to coast and beyond, 100 sites spanning 27 states (and the U.S. territory of Guam) eagerly participated in this year’s hands-on preservation event. Park Day tasks varied from landscape maintenance to window cleaning, staining fences, relocating interpretive

Students enjoy a tour at Pamplin Historical Park in Petersburg, Va.

Park Day volunteers help with ground maintenance at Antietam National Battlefield.

signs, and more. Through their dedication, the participants not only revitalized these cherished sites, but they continued to uplift the enduring tradition of volunteerism that Park Day has fostered since its inception in 1996. These collective efforts highlight the importance of Park Day, not only in celebrating our history but in helping to weave these sites into the fabric of the communities they are located in. As the Trust prepares for its 29th annual Park Day in 2025, stay tuned for exciting updates and changes coming to next year’s event as it continues to evolve, ensuring an even greater impact on our nation’s historic sites and increasing community involvement.

Guests indulged in tours of the battlefield, Seminary Ridge Museum, Lee’s Headquarters, and other notable sites. At Saturday’s “Revelry at the Ridge,” hosted at the United Lutheran Seminary Campus, entertainment was provided by George Mason University’s 8th Green Machine Regiment Band, and Dearest Home, a local Civil War-era musical group.

Trust’s Annual Conference Lands in Gettysburg In late April, the American Battlefield Trust’s Annual Conference descended upon Gettysburg, Pa. Trust staff, historians, and hundreds of dedicated members congregated in the historic city for a long weekend brimming with tours, talks and special gatherings. The event aimed to spotlight not only the Gettysburg Battlefield but also the surrounding community. Guests had the opportunity to attend history talks hosted by licensed battlefield guides, National Park Service employees, historians, and more. Some of the topics covered included: “The Opening of the Gettysburg Campaign at Brandy Station,” “A Reassessment of the First Day’s Most Infamous Commander,” “Sickles and the New York Monument Commission,” and more.

Chief Historian Garry Adelman leads a tour at Gettysburg National Military Park. (Photo by Charlie Crawford.)

The N-SSA is America’s oldest and largest Civil War shooting sports organization. Competitors shoot original or approved reproduction muskets, carbines and revolvers at breakable targets in a timed match. Some units even compete with cannons and mortars. Each team represents a specific Civil War regiment or unit and wears the uniform they wore over 160 years ago. Dedicated to preserving our history, period firearms competition and the camaraderie of team sports with friends and family, the N-SSA may be just right for you.

For more information visit us online at www.n-ssa.org.

46 th Southeastern

Annual

Free Parking!

Civil War & Antique Gun Show Aug. 10 & 11, 2024 Saturday 9–5 • Sunday 9–3 Cobb County Civic Center Inquires: 548 S. Marietta Parkway, S.E., Marietta, GA 30060

Over 190 8 Foot Tables of: • Dug Relics • Guns and Swords • New and Old Books • Frameable Prints

• • • • •

NGRHA For table reservations, email Jim Hammonds at [email protected]

Metal Detectors Artillery Items Currency Belt Buckles Admission: $8 for Adults Bullets and Cartridges Veterans & Children under 10 Free