The year 1862 was transformative. In the spring, the Federals strung together an impressive series of victories in the Western Theater. Yet, before summer arrived, Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia and, in a matter of weeks, shifted the balance of power in the Eastern Theater. The year brought major battles, key turning points, and political decisions that would forever change the course of history. It’s a fascinating snapshot of our nation’s story. And 158 years later, I am thankful that you agree we should preserve the places where these events took place.
In recent months, I’ve written to you several times to ask for your help in saving hallowed ground associated with battles that took place in this seminal year. The first opportunity was our effort to preserve 28 acres on three battlefields — Shiloh in the west, and Glendale and Fredericksburg in the east at a $4.85-to-$1 match of your generosity.
More recently, I asked for your generosity to preserve 73 key acres at Shiloh and South Mountain. Like the former opportunity, these battlefields represent different theaters of the Civil War, but share the distinction of having played an important part in shaping the history of our great nation.
Today, because of you, we can declare victory on these five tracts of land! You and your fellow supporters helped us to reach our fundraising goal for both efforts, and we were able to leverage your generosity with state and federal matching grants and a tremendous landowner donation. Thanks to your support, 101 acres of 1862 Civil War history are now protected, forever.
More specifically, preserving those combined 61 acres at Shiloh means you have helped to save an astounding 1,378 acres from this April 6-7 battle – an accomplishment for which you should be incredibly proud. Thanks to you, future generations can walk this land and learn the now famous words that Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston spoke on the eve of the battle:
"We shall attack them at daylight tomorrow."
You know the story well: Attack at daylight they did, and after hours of bloody fighting and thousands of casualties on both sides, Johnston's foe in battle, Union General Ulysses S. Grant, echoed those same words. Counseled by advisors to retreat, Grant declared, "Retreat? No! I propose to attack at daylight, and whip them."
The two days of fighting at Shiloh resulted in horrific carnage. Nearly 24,000 casualties — killed, wounded, missing, or captured — made Shiloh the bloodiest battle in all American history up to that time.
Of course, months later, the Battle of Antietam became – and remains – the bloodiest day day in American history. And leading up to that infamous September day was the Battle at South Mountain, where, thanks to this preservation victory, you are adding 18 acres to the 686 you have already helped to save.
I encourage you to visit our website to learn more about these individual parcels of land that help to tell the story of the year 1862. For many of these battlefields, development is a real and present threat. Thank you for ensuring that the land you have worked so hard to protect is not compromised.
‘Til the Battle is Won,
Jim Lighthizer
President
American Battlefield Trust