Gov. Brian Kemp Signs Into Law Fund to Preserve Georgia Battlefields in Honor of Gridiron Legend Vince Dooley

(Atlanta, Ga.) — Following a signing ceremony in the office of Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia has become the fifth state to establish a matching grant program specific to the protection of historic battlefield landscapes. The Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund is named for the legendary University of Georgia football coach, who was also a passionate historian and advocate for preservation, serving for a decade on the board of the American Battlefield Trust, as well as a term as chair of the Georgia Historical Society.

“Vincent was a true Renaissance man and patriot whose many interests and accomplishments enriched and served our country, our state, and our communities,” said his wife of 62 years, Barbara Dooley. “At his core, he was an educator, and he would be deeply honored to know that this part of his legacy will lead to broader preservation of Georgia battlefields and provide more opportunities for Americans to learn and understand what happened there and why it still matters today.”

The legislation was first introduced by Rep. Houston Gaines (120th Dist., Athens) and passed by 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. With today’s signing ceremony, Georgia joins Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi in establishing state-level grant programs for historic landscape preservation.

“Coach Vince Dooley transformed UGA athletics and inspired generations,” said Lt. Gov. Jones. “Coach Dooley was a wonderful husband, father, mentor and public servant. He gave back to his community and his legacy continues to inspire others to do the same. It is fitting that we honor his legacy and passion for history with this dedication.”

“Working alongside Coach Dooley on an issue about which he was so clearly passionate was an honor,” said American Battlefield Trust president David Duncan. “Through the actions of Governor Kemp and the enthusiastic support of so many legislators, the tenacity and determination that he brought to the cause of preservation will persist.”

Georgia’s historic battlefields dating to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War are well-documented, but not fully protected and not always accessible to the public. Congressionally authorized studies have identified 34 historically significant battlefields in Georgia with thousands of vulnerable acres retaining enough historical integrity to make them worthy of preservation. Acting now, at the outset of the semiquincentennial commemoration of the nation’s founding, sets the stage for greater impact in the decades to come.

“This act will ensure a permanent legacy to preserve our historic battlefields — a meaningful tribute on the 250th anniversary of our nation and to the late great Coach Dooley,” said Rep. Gaines. “As we see development creeping throughout our state, preservation efforts like this have never been more important. In doing so, we will help share our country’s history and help educate future generations of Americans.”

Beyond establishing a state-level competitive matching grant mechanism, the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Act encourages further federal and private sector investment in Georgia’s battlefields. This, in turn, has economic benefits via heritage tourism. The National Park Service has stated that the three battlefield sites it manages in Georgia attracted nearly 3 million visitors in 2023, leading to some $200 million in spending that supported more than 2,800 jobs; sites managed by the state and by local governments also contribute to a greater cumulative impact.

“With travel industry experts predicting renewed interest in heritage tourism during the anniversary period, the lands protected through this fund will offer more for them to explore, encouraging longer and more diverse stays.” added Rep. Trey Rhodes, (124th Dist., Greensboro) who chairs the House Game, Fish and Parks Committee.

The American Battlefield Trust, which has protected nearly 2,400 acres throughout the state since 1997, has proactively identified more than 200 acres across numerous battlefields that could be preserved if the state were to invest in the new program. The Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund will enable a swift pursuit of preservation opportunities at Kettle Creek, a Revolutionary War battlefield recently named a National Park Service Affiliated Site, as well as Rocky Face Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain and Ringgold Gap, among others.

Other historic preservation organizations across the state have also supported the fund’s creation, including the Georgia Battlefields Association, Brier Creek Revolutionary War Battlefield Association, Friends of Fort Morris State Park, Friends of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Kettle Creek Battlefield Association and Save the Dalton Battlefields. In addition to legislative sponsors Rep. Houston Gaines and Sen. Bill Cowsert, Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta-21), chair of Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan-6), chair of Senate Rules Committee, were further legislative champions.

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 nearly 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, including 2,400 acres in Georgia. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

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