In 2006, the American Battlefield Trust set out to save a key, 208-acre parcel at the southern end of the Fredericksburg battlefield. Historian Frank O’Reilly called it “the heart and soul” of the battlefield, because it’s where the entire battle was won and lost. The project came with a $12 million price tag—a big chunk of change.
Central Virginia Battlefield Trust stepped up with a $1 million pledge at a key moment, and coupled with subsequent donations tens of thousands of supporters, the Trust was able to make the deal happen. In June 2022, the Trust declared victory in its effort, retiring its debt on the property. (Read that victory story here.)
Part of the mortgage agreement was tied to a non-historic house that sat on the property. Today, with ownership now free and clear, the Trust began the process of demolishing that structure. I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the event.
As preservation-minded folks, we often lament the loss of valuable battlefield land and the history that disappears with it. Today’s success story was a powerful reminded that we have it within our power to not only preserve but even reclaim our history.
Sarah Kay Bierle of the Trust’s Education team catches Tom Gilmore, the Trust’s Chief Land Preservation Officer, and Tom Van Winkle, president of the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, recounting the history of the Slaughter Pen Farm.Tom Van Winkle, president of the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust, talks about the partnership that helped save the Slaughter Pen.No historian has done more to shed light on the full importance of the fighting on the south end of the Fredericksburg battlefield than the NPS’s Frank O’Reilly, who has worked tirelessly for nearly two decades to advocate for the Slaughter Pen. (photo by Terry Rensel)I love to preach about the value of battlefield preservation. (And yes, that’s Sarah Kay Bierle recording me!) (photo by Terry Rensel)Tom Gilmore, the Trust’s Chief Land Preservation Officer, puts his back into it as he takes his swing. (photo by Terry Rensel)Frank O’Reilly ties up his shot for battlefield preservation.Eric Powell, vice president of CVBT, takes a swing! (photo by Terry Rensel)The jaunty angle of my hardhat makes all the difference…. (photo by Melissa Winn)Swing, batter, batter! Swing! (photo by Melissa Winn)
Melissa Winn of the Trust’s Media & Policy team grabs a snapshot of Tom Van Winkle, CVBT; Tom Gilmore, ABT; and Frank O’Reilly, NPSTom van Winkle, Frank O’Reilly, and Tom GilmoreTom Van Winkle of CVBT gives the thumbs up for a job well done!
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We also have some video of the event posted on the ECW YouTube page:
5 Responses to Demolition and Restoration at Fredericksburg’s Slaughter Pen Farm
Why not move the house? It could be refurbished – or perhaps just furbished – as a visitor center, cafe, gift shop, etc. Or if it must be destroyed, why not have reenactors fire solid shot and grapeshot at it?
I am grateful for the opportunity to help the ABT in the acquisition of this property and for a walk on the interpreted land one wet spring day in 2023.
Why not move the house? It could be refurbished – or perhaps just furbished – as a visitor center, cafe, gift shop, etc. Or if it must be destroyed, why not have reenactors fire solid shot and grapeshot at it?
One would suppose that the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust could come up with more that a buck.
The “non-historic structure” seems to reflect some architectural historicity of its own. But I’m sure the cost of moving the structure was substantial
I do notice that in the email the Central Virginia Trust donated $1, but in the above text they coughed up some more.
I am grateful for the opportunity to help the ABT in the acquisition of this property and for a walk on the interpreted land one wet spring day in 2023.
Good work. Be sure to post photos of the final rubble pile. You in the cab swinging the wrecking ball comes to mind …. LOL