Saving History Saturday: Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation Updates

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) recently announced several new preservation efforts at multiple battlefields.

SVBF has announced their first ever preservation effort in West Virginia. Two parcels, totaling 23 acres of the often-overlooked Hoke’s Run battlefield. Berkley County, West Virginia officials reached out, asking for assistance in preserving the battlefield in the fast-growing area, and SVBF answered the call. As part of this project, a new Civil War Battlefield Park will be created in partnership between Berkley County and SVBF.

The battle of Hoke’s Run took place on July 2, 1861, and was the first battle involving two future legends. Col. George Thomas, who would later be known as “The Rock of Chickamauga,” commanded a brigade in the Department of Pennsylvania, while Col. Thomas Jackson, soon to become the legendary “Stonewall” Jackson, commanded the lone confederate brigade that day, accompanied by Lt. Col. J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry.

SVBF has also announced a preservation victory at Second Winchester. They recently successfully completed the purchase of the 256-acre historic Carter’s Farm in Frederick County. Known best as part of Second Winchester, this property was also a part of Third Winchester, as well as Rutherford’s Farm. This makes 222 total acres preserved at Second Winchester.

Currently SVBF is also working on interpretation and education initiatives, as well as additional preservation projects.

To learn more about these, and other, projects, visit SVBF’s website.