Gettysburg Campaign Site Preservation Opportunity

The Civil War Trust has announced a unique preservation opportunity. The battle of Upperville was part of Jeb Stuart’s defense-in-depth of Ashby’s Gap and a look into the movement’s of Lee’s army by the Federal Cavalry. During this battle, Col. Strong Vincent’s brigade would first see action during the Gettysburg campaign. Imagine Vincent’s infantry regiments pushing forward over a creek and bridge as they join their cavalry counterpart in an attack against a portion of Stuart’s cavalry. Goose Creek Bridge is an important site to further understand the battle of Upperville and the Gettysburg campaign. Here’s how you can help.

“In the last 30 years, the Civil War Trust has saved more than 46,000 acres of hallowed ground throughout the United States. These battlefields are the pastoral places where young Americans made the ultimate sacrifice to forge the nation we are today. We work to save this land in honor of their brave deeds. In the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, “It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

As important as it is to remember the history made at these sacred sites, battlefield preservation has important environmental benefits as well. By saving historic sites, we also conserve open spaces, protect natural habitats, and prevent water pollution. In saving hallowed ground, the Civil War Trust has allowed wildlife to thrive, helped the land and forest to produce their bounty, and ensured that natural landscapes are available for outdoor enthusiasts to visit and enjoy.

That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Today, we have the unique opportunity to save land and create a new battlefield park at the historic Goose Creek Bridge in Loudoun County, Virginia. The property was the scene of the Battle of Upperville, an early engagement of the momentous Gettysburg Campaign. It is also the home of 19 tree species native to the Virginia Piedmont Region, as well as 54 bird species. The property runs along Goose Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River and a designated Virginia Scenic River. Preserving this historic property will also contribute to the protection of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

This unique collaboration between the Trust and NOVA Parks, with the support of the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club and the Virginia Department of Transportation, builds on the 2012 success that created a new publicly-accessible park at the nearby Middleburg battlefield.

In helping us save these 19.8 acres, you are not only saving American history, you are helping to protect the environment and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of Goose Creek and the habitat it provides for plants and animals alike.

Let’s save Goose Creek and create a park.

‘Til the Battle is Won,

Jim Lighthizer”