From the American Battlefield Trust…
A visit to an American battlefield is a sacred one. You approach it with the respect, honor, and reverence it deserves because you know that lives were lost here and a nation forever changed on this hallowed ground.
Imagine then, emerging from a stand of trees or looking into the distance, and seeing an out of place building on the verge of collapse. Is it historic? Integral to the stories of the men who fought there? NO. It is a reminder that if American Battlefield Trust, with your support, had not saved this land, it would have been a forgotten page in our history.
With the 160th anniversary of these major battles this year, it’s time to take the next step in our preservation efforts and finish the job we committed to doing and restore three battlefield sites to their authentic war-time appearance.
Will you join us in these next steps to preserve and protect hallowed ground forever?
When we purchased each of these properties, we promised to restore them within 3-5 years. We now have until the end of the year to accomplish these tasks:
Battle of Fredericksburg Restoration—we have 5 modern houses to tear down and remove, clearing the way for an unrestricted view of this historic battlefield much like it looked in 1862. Removing the buildings will make it easier to reach the famous Meade Marker—a stone pyramid 23 feet high and 30 feet square marking the location where Union General Meade penetrated Stonewall Jackson’s lines in December 1862. Estimated cost: $125,000.
Battle of Harpers Ferry Restoration—Preserved property located on Bolivar Heights was an important thoroughfare for Union forces and a Confederate military target. An unused real estate office, auto repair shop, and former gas station mar the landscape where Union forces delayed Confederate forces in their attempt to lay claim to the site. These need to be torn down and debris removed. Estimated cost: $90,000
The Battle of Antietam Restoration—In full sight of the Antietam Visitor Center is a deteriorating, postwar home and outbuildings. We need to restore the land to its authentic appearance where it was fought over, marched on, and fired over on the bloodiest day in our history. Estimated cost: $25,000
Preservation does not end with the purchase of an historic property. It is just the beginning. When you support American Battlefield Trust, you make a promise to preserve and protect land where battles were fought and ensure that they are restored to their authentic appearance—for all to enjoy.
These crucial restoration projects are not huge in scope, but we need to complete them by the end of the year. We need $240,000 to do so.
Your gift today is a promise to not only save historic land from development, but to continue to be a steward of each site and fulfill a promise to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Please donate today so we can begin these projects in earnest.
Thank you. ‘Til the battle is won,
David N. Duncan, President
American Battlefield Trust
P.S. If you want to make a contribution to our Battlefield Restoration Fund online, please do so. The sooner we raise the needed dollars, the sooner we can put them to work, restoring these hallowed landscapes at places like Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and Fredericksburg. Thank you again!