A Loss at the Wilderness, A Win at Port Republic

About seven or eight years ago a Civil War buddy and I took an extended Virginia and Maryland battlefield driving tour. One of the many spots we visited were to the battlefields of Cross Keys and Port Republic, near Harrisonburg, Virginia. I was taken at how rural the landscape had remained over the years and I remember thinking that I hoped it would stay that way.

Thanks the good work of the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Shenandoah Battlefields Foundation, and a number of dedicated individuals, almost 200 acres have just been added to those already preserved at this battlefield. This is great news coming on the heels of the Wilderness Walmart setback last week. Here is the CWPT's release:

"I now have the privilege to let you know that CWPT has successfully raised our portion of the matching grant to help save 178 absolutely key acres at Port Republic, Virginia!

Partnering with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF), we are helping to buy the development rights and preserve forever 178 acres at Stonewall Jackson's final battle of the 1862 Valley Campaign.

Of the total $420,000 cost, the SVBF is putting in $140,000 of the price, the Commonwealth of Virginia is putting in $140,000, and we have applied for an additional federal grant of $98,000...meaning CWPT's final $42,000 has sealed the deal. This is a $10-to-$1 match of your donation dollar.

Good economy...bad economy...ANY economy...this was a great opportunity to save significant land at a vitally important battlefield. I hope you agree.

I also hope that you will take a look at the other on-going preservation fights we are engaged in, and will help to the extent you can, so we can achieve even more victories! Thank you for your tremendous dedication, incredible support and wonderful generosity."

Congratulations CWPT and Shenandoah Battlefields Foundation. Great job and keep up the good work!