Saving History Saturday: Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation Updates

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) has the opportunity to acquire three separate collections of artifacts related to the history of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley.

The first collection is items belonging to General Gabriel Warton, a graduate of VMI, who organized the 51st Virginia Infantry, serving as its Colonel. He commanded the Confederate left at the Battle of New Market. Additionally, he served throughout the Shenandoah Valley, commanding the infantry division under Jubal Early at the Battle of Waynesboro on March 2, 1865. The collection includes clothing, camp equipment, as well as personal items.

The second collection is the battle flag that the 6th Maryland (US) carried from the beginning of their service until it was retired. This 33-star flag was carried at Second Winchester and is accompanied by the presentation box that was given to Lt. Col. William McKellip with the flag when it was retired at Brandy Station on December 23, 1863.

The third, and final collection, includes uniform pieces of Private Mark Campbell of Company G of the 12th New York State Militia. Items include the cap, jacket, and trousers that Pvt. Campbell wore in 1861.

Once successfully acquired, these items would join items displayed at SVBF run museums and visitor centers throughout the Valley, such as the New Market Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum, the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, as well as other locations.

Due to the generosity of lead donors, SVBF has already raised $51,000 towards acquiring these collections, leaving only $118,500 left to raise to preserve these items and exhibit them to their visitors.

You can learn more about this unique preservation opportunity here.