60,000 Acres and Counting: Reflecting on 2025
60,000 Acres Saved (and Counting)
The American Battlefield Trust crested a major milestone in July: 60,000 acres of Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War battlefield land saved across the country. The achievement came after meeting a critical, final fundraising deadline to preserve more than 14 acres along Willoughby’s Run on the Gettysburg Battlefield. The combined acreage, roughly twice the size of the City of San Francisco, has created countless opportunities for people to experience the power of place throughout America’s irreplaceable historic battlegrounds.
In 2025, the Trust saved 35 properties at 29 battlefields in 10 different states, protecting a total of 2,015 acres of hallowed ground. Read more.
Gaines' Mill-Cold Harbor Saved Forever
In December, the Trust announced that some of the most important unprotected battlefield land in the United States, hundreds of critical acres at the site of both the Battle of Gaines’ Mill and the Battle of Cold Harbor, is now saved forever. One of the largest preservation efforts in the history of the Trust, these 600+ acres more than double the amount of hallowed ground the Trust has protected on these irreplaceable battlefields, adding to more than 30,000 acres saved throughout Virginia and 60,000 acres saved nationwide. Read more.
60,000 Students Served
During the 2024–2025 school year, the Trust's History Field Trip Grant Program reach a major milestone: the 60,000th student since its inception in 2014. During the 2024–2025 school year, more than 12,000 students from 35 states participated in the program, which allows K-12 educators to apply for funding to offset the cost of field trips to local battlefields, museums and other historic sites related to the Civil War, the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Read more.
The Largest Matching Grant Ever Received
Earlier this year, the Trust received the largest-ever matching grant from the federal American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) to help the Trust acquire the Pamplin Park Campus and ensure the permanent and unified protection of the Breakthrough at Petersburg. The Trust plans to acquire the 417-acre property, one of the largest preservation projects in its history, through a national fundraising campaign that will result in an 857-acre protected swath of land associated with one of the Civil War’s most significant battlefields. Read more.
American Revolution Experience Extended
Responding to overwhelming demand for high-quality educational materials supporting the 250th anniversary of the conflict, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Trust have extended their joint traveling exhibit, the American Revolution Experience, through 2027. Additionally, two more copies of the exhibit will enter circulation to meet demand from more than 600 sites clamoring to host the project, which focuses on the contributions of ordinary people to the American Revolution rather than generals or statesmen. To date, more than 70,000 visitors across the United States have experienced the exhibit. Read more.
A First-of-Its-Kind History Curriculum
This past Constitution Day, the Trust joined the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to announce a groundbreaking partnership to bring the stories of America’s independence into classrooms across the state. The new curriculum includes four distinct standards-aligned lesson plans tailored to South Carolina history, just in time for America’s 250th birthday. These customizable and engaging resources explore the Revolutionary War through the lens of local history, highlighting key figures, pivotal battles and the war’s impact on communities across the state. Read more.
The Liberty Trail Keeps Expanding
Just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Shot Heard ‘Round The World in April, the Trust's award-winning program The Liberty Trail expanded to Massachusetts, offering a “pocket historian” to explore the first days of the American Revolution. Eight months later, the Trail added its fourth state, Virginia, ahead of the anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge..
Hallmarks of the apps include engaging narrative text, modern photography, 360-degree virtual tours, historical illustrations, original artwork, battle maps and videos with experts. While some of the tour routes are designed for driving, there are options for walking tours as well, tailoring the experience to each user’s preference. Read more.
Legal Victories to Halt Development on Hallowed Ground
Legal fights over proposed data centers and development on parts of the Manassas and Wilderness Battlefields progressed this year, with courts issuing favorable opinions in both cases. In the Wilderness case, a September decision allowed the Trust's case to advance to trial, which is awaiting scheduling. At Manassas, Oak Valley Homeowners Association, whose suit had proceeded in parallel to the Trust’s, won a major victory in August, successfully overcoming a demurrer hearing. With both cases now at similar stages, the court consolidated oral arguments for both lawsuits into a single hearing scheduled for late February.
The Trust is committed to pursuing all avenues as it endeavors to overturn shortsighted decisions and prevent construction of data centers and other developments that will forever change the character of the surrounding historic landscape. Read more.
Georgia Launches Battlefield Grant Program
In May, Georgia became the fifth state to establish a matching grant program dedicated to protecting historic battlefield landscapes. The Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund honors the legendary University of Georgia football coach, who was also a passionate historian and preservation advocate. Dooley served a decade on the American Battlefield Trust’s board and a term as chair of the Georgia Historical Society.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Houston Gaines (120th Dist., Athens) and passed the Georgia House of Representatives in March. In early April, championed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who served as co-captain of the 2002 SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs football team, and Sen. Bill Cowsert (46th Dist., Athens), it passed the Senate unanimously, before being signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp. Read more.
Medal of Honor Valor Trail™ App
This past spring, the Trust joined the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to launch a new mobile app connecting users to a global network of sites tied to the lives and legacies of the 3,528 recipients of our nation’s highest military honor. From recipients’ hometowns to distant battlefields, namesake buildings to monuments and museums, these places tell a fuller story of Recipients’ lives, going beyond the combat action for which they were recognized. The Medal of Honor Valor Trail™ App provides a dynamic, immersive way to explore the legacy of the Medal of Honor. The app was also awarded a Silver Anthem Award for “Best Use of Data,” recognizing the transformation of Medal of Honor history and geographic data into an engaging experience that helps audiences explore individual stories of valor. Read more.
"Our Enduring Legacy"
In anticipation of the nation's 250th birthday, the American Battlefield Trust launched the most ambitious effort in battlefield preservation history this year: a $125 million capital campaign that will revolutionize how the Trust pursues its mission. Our Enduring Legacy: The Campaign to Preserve, Educate, and Inspire will enable the Trust to safeguard our nation’s historic battlefields for future generations by providing the critical resources needed to expand preservation efforts, meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Thanks to the generosity of early donors, the Trust has already raised more than 80 percent towards its comprehensive fundraising goal and aims to secure the balance by July 4, 2026. Read more.
...and so much more!
From major restoration efforts to engaging events for all ages, 2025 was filled with moments of celebration. As the calendar turns to 2026, the Trust remains resolved to preserve America’s hallowed ground, while educating and inspire all those who seek to learn the history of our country.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at battlefields.org.
