America Battlefield Trust Preserve. Educate. Inspire.

Originally published November-December 2024 · pp. 66–67

Save 132 Acres at Three Historic Civil War Battlefields Demolition at Slaughter Pen Marks Final Phase in Preservation Project In late July, the Trust demolished the final non-historic structure, a postwar farmhouse, on its Slaughter Pen Farm property in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The farmhouse removal marked the culmination of a years-long effort to return the landscape to its 1862 appearance, setting the stage for developing a new interpretive plaza. As the restoration nears completion, the Trust is preparing to unveil the new interpretive plaza. Since taking ownership in 2006, the Trust has gradually removed several derelict farm outbuildings to restore the land to its wartime condition. In 2009, it installed an almost two-mile educational walking trail, which has become a popular destination for locals, visitors and military units. The Slaughter Pen Farm, where thousands of soldiers fought during the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg, is considered by historians to be the “heart and soul” of the battlefield. The site played a pivotal role in the Union’s strategy, and its preservation required a 16-year, $12 million fundraising campaign, making it the largest and most complex private battlefield preservation effort in U.S. history. Demolition work began on July 26 and was completed by July 29, marking the final phase of the Trust’s long-term restoration plan. This project has been made possible by generous contributions from Trust members, significant matching grants from the Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal American Battlefield Protection Program, and a $1 million commitment from the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust.

Demolition of post war farmhouse at Slaughter Pen Farm in Fredericksburg, Va. (Photo by Melissa A. Winn)

Save 132 Acres at Three Historic Battlefields

The Trust has launched a campaign to save 132 acres across three key Civil War battlefields: New Market Heights in Virginia, Petersburg in Virginia and Fort Blakely in Alabama. These hallowed grounds, where some of the war’s most significant charges occurred, are now threatened by development that could destroy them permanently. Altogether, the cost to purchase and preserve these lands is a staggering $1.67 million. However, thanks to grants, partners and a generous landowner donation, the Trust needs to raise the final $149,875, with an $11-to $1 match for every dollar donated. At New Market Heights, the Trust seeks to protect 35 acres adjacent to the Richmond National Battlefield Park, where Union forces, led by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, struck Gen. Robert E. Lee’s supply lines in Petersburg in September 1864. This battle, part of a larger campaign, weakened Confederate defenses and played a key role in President Lincoln’s reelection later that year. The Breakthrough at Petersburg, one of the war’s most pivotal attacks, led to the fall of Petersburg and the Confederate capital of Richmond after a 290-day siege. There, the Trust is working to preserve an additional nine acres, currently threatened by industrial development. To date, the Trust and its partners have saved more than 400 acres at Petersburg, safeguarding its legacy for current and future generations. At Fort Blakeley, where one of the largest contingents of African American soldiers fought bravely, the Trust has already preserved 126 acres and is now aiming to save an additional 88 acres of well-preserved earthworks. This tract, currently targeted by developers, is the last major

New Market Heights Battlefield in Henrico County, Va. (Photo by Noel Kline)

undeveloped tract at the battlefield and is essential to preserving the integrity of this site. For more information on this preservation opportunity, visit www.battlefields.org/give/save-battlefields/help-save132-acres-three-historic-battlefields.

160 Years Later: Celebrate 53 Acres Saved at Reams’ Station and Deep Bottom The American Battlefield Trust recently commemorated the 160th anniversary of the Battles of Reams’ Station and Deep Bottom in Virginia by preserving 53 acres of hallowed ground where these conflicts unfolded during the summer of 1864. At Reams’ Station, the Trust secured a three-acre tract that was central to the first and second battles. This area witnessed a fierce skirmish between Federal cavalry and Confederate artillery and infantry. Union cavalry dismounted and launched an attack on Confederate forces along the railroad, capturing 50 soldiers from the 10th and 14th Alabama Regiments. During the second battle, Confederate forces established a defensive line around the tract’s northern and eastern perimeters, eventually launching a multi-pronged assault that led to the Union’s retreat.

The American Battlefield Trust has preserved more than 800 acres at the Corinth Battlefield, part of the Shiloh National Military Park. (Photo by Mike Talplacido)

from the American Battlefield Protection Program, Virginia Battlefield Protection Fund, and the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. Saving these 53 acres of hallowed ground is a significant achievement. Now, 160 years later, we can continue to preserve and honor the battles of that summer of 1864, remembering the lives lost and the broader historical significance within the Civil War.

Protect 85 Acres of Civil War Battlefield History

In late August, the Trust launched a campaign to save 85 acres across four battlefields including Iuka and Corinth in Mississippi, Prairie Grove in Arkansas, Kinston in North Carolina, and restore land in Virginia. These hallowed grounds were host to major Union campaigns that were fought in the later months of 1862. In total, the cost to purchase and preserve these lands and restore the site in Virginia is more than one million dollars. However, thanks to grants, partners and generous support from Trust members, the Trust is left to raise the final $72,430 to complete the deal, with a $16-to $1 match for every dollar donated. At Battle of Iuka, the Union Army halted Confederate forces in Mississippi reinforcing earlier victories in Tennessee. These forces would later regroup and meet at Corinth. There, Confederate forces besieged the city to disrupt Union communication lines. The Union, however, repulsed the Confederate Army following a strong counterattack. At Prairie Grove, the Confederate Army sought a surprise attack against moving Union forces that ended in a stalemate after a day of artillery duels. At Kinston, Union forces successfully threatened the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad that carried supplies from the North Carolina port to the Army of Northern Virginia. Lastly, at Petersburg, land previously preserved by the Trust and its partners requires restoration work to return it to its Civil War appearance including demolition and a nonhistoric structure on the grounds. For more information about this preservation opportunity, visit www.battlefields.org/give/save-battlefields/preserve85-acres-across-four-remarkable-battlefields-more.

ACE