Culpeper Battlefields State Park Keeps Growing as Trust Transfers More Than 130 Acres at Cedar Mountain

(Culpeper, Va.) — The American Battlefield Trust just transferred two tracts, totaling more than 131 acres, to Culpeper Battlefields State Park, continuing a commitment made two years ago at the creation of Virginia’s 43rd state park. Following the transfers, the state park now boasts more than 560 acres of historic battlefield land.

“These transfers are a major milestone in our decades of work to preserve the battlefields of Culpeper County,” said American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan. “This landscape will forever tell those who come here stories of valor and sacrifice this battlefield witnessed in 1862.”

Both properties transferred to the park faced development pressures before the Trust pursued their acquisition in the early 2020s, including potential residential construction and utility-scale solar development. Earlier this year, the Trust completed historic restoration work to remove non-historic structures on the land. 

In addition to support from the Trust’s member, the original purchases were made possible thanks to federal and state support, with the American Battlefield Protection Program awarding $686,757 and $662,376 awarded by the Virginia Landscape Conservation Foundation.

“These transfers reflect what strong preservation partnerships can accomplish," said Nikki Rovner, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "We are thrilled to work with the American Battlefield Trust to protect this land, which will connect visitors to the rich history of Culpeper Battlefields State Park for generations to come.”

“Nothing compares to the power of place of a battlefield, and this state park is an incredible historic resource for our community,” said Friends of Culpeper Battlefields President Chuck Laudner. “We look forward to welcoming Culpeper residents and visitors from across the country to visit this land and feel that power for themselves.”

“Culpeper’s history is a major reason people choose to visit our area, and the growth of Culpeper Battlefields State Park provides yet another incentive to see all Culpeper has to offer, said Paige Read, Director of Tourism and Town Economic Development for the Town of Culpeper. "We are grateful to the American Battlefield Trust and Virginia State Parks for helping ensure that our community’s history remains a place people can explore.”

On August 9, 1862, 32,000 troops clashed in Culpeper County. Although Confederate forces outnumbered Union troops 4-to-1, the Federals gained an early advantage in the fighting until they were repulsed by a Confederate counterattack led by Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill. The Confederate victory shifted fighting in Virginia from the Peninsula to Northern Virginia, giving General Robert E. Lee the advantage.

The newly transferred land preserves several stages of the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Union soldiers crossed portions of the property during their advance toward the fighting at the wheat field and their subsequent retreat. Some were captured on this ground. Other portions preserve an artillery position involved in the hour-long exchange that ended the battle.

Culpeper Battlefields State Park is Virginia’s 43rd State Park. While the park currently offers visitors more than 560 acres of historic battlefield land, a series of additional property transfers over the next few years will result in more than 2,200 inside the park. In addition to Cedar Mountain, the park is comprised of lands preserved from three major Civil War battles fought in Culpeper County: Brandy Station, Kelly’s Ford and Rappahannock Station.

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 63,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states, including more than 600 acres at Cedar Mountain. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

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