Sunday, December 1, 2013

Preservation News - December 2013


Rappahannock Station/Chattanooga

Join the Civil War Trust in saving a total of 608 acres at two November 1863 battlefields where Generals Grant, Bragg, Meade and Lee fought one another. These are two Civil War battlefields separated by 526 miles of mountains, rivers, valleys and roads – but near and dear to all of our hearts.

From Our President

Jim Lighthizer Photo
December 2013
Dear Civil War Preservationist,
Greetings, my friend! As the end of the year draws near, we can look back on the numerous victories ensured by your generous support.
During this holiday season, as we remember all for which we are thankful, please know that I am thankful for the generous support of each and every one of you. Without your contributions, the Trust would be nowhere near saving the amount of land we've now preserved – more than 36,000 ACRES! Now that's a plentiful bounty!

However, we cannot grow complacent, especially with this amazing opportunity to preserve land at two more highly significant battle sites. November marked the sesquicentennial of the Battles of Rappahannock Station and Chattanooga. Although hundreds of miles apart, the great battlefields of Rappahannock Station and Chattanooga are forever linked due to the consecration of these places by those who fought and fell on these hallowed grounds. Combined casualties from the November 7 Battle of Rappahannock Station and the November 23-25 Battle of Chattanooga totaled more than 15,000. So these were no little skirmishes – especially to those killed, wounded or captured in these fights, and their families.

These battles are also linked by the very clear danger of destruction and desecration. At Chattanooga, the land we seek to save has already been subdivided and platted for houses; at Rappahannock Station, residential and "mixed-use" threats are attempting to encroach on the battlefield. It is only through the grace of God (and a poor real estate market over the past few years) that this hallowed ground has not already been destroyed. We must move now.

Will you stand with me during this 150th anniversary year, and prevent hallowed ground at Chattanooga and Rappahannock Station from ever being desecrated by housing developments or worse? Today, because of the $36-to-$1 match, we can save an acre of this hallowed ground for just $254. You can help save a half-acre for $127, a quarter-acre for $63.50 and an eighth of an acre for just $32.

Thank you and happy holidays!

Help Save Rappahannock Station and Chattanooga! »
- Jim Lighthizer, Civil War Trust President

Behind The Scenes: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Gettysburg Address The Trust's latest online offering transports users behind the scenes to Lincoln's arrival in Gettysburg through six videos featuring historian Tim Smith, audio presentations, and more than 60 photographs related to the Gettysburg Address. It lists 22 points of interest where users can view the things Lincoln touched and saw during his trip.


Chattanooga 360

Photo Contest Released in time for the battle's 150th anniversary, the Chattanooga 360 features breathtaking panoramas of six sites forever associated with the pivotal campaign for Chattanooga, including Lookout Mountain, Wauhatchie, Moccasin Bend, Downtown Chattanooga, Orchard Knob and the National Cemetery.

Wal-Mart Donates Battlefield Lands to Virginia

Wal-Mart Donates Battlefield Land Governor Bob McDonnell announced Wal-Mart has donated a portion of battlefield lands associated with the Battles of the Wilderness and Chancellorsville to the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Mine Run Photographic Tour & Sesquicentennial

Video If you can't visit our pristine 690-acre property at Payne's Farm for the 150th anniversary of the Mine Run Campaign, this photographic tour of the interpreted battlefield is the next best thing.

Ancestor Research Guide

Ancestor Research Guide  Learn more about your ancestor's involvement in the Civil War with the Civil War Trust's new Ancestor Research Guide, now available on the Trust's website. This exciting resource eases interested individuals into discovering the details of the actions of their ancestors during battle.

Civil War Discovery Trail 2.0

CSDT Visit the online home for Civil War exploration and adventure, the Civil War Discovery Trail. Recently updated and optimized, the Discovery Trail is better than ever and now includes an interactive map, stunning photographs and more.

2014 Civil War Trust Calendar

Calendar Get your stunning, full-color Civil War Trust 2014 Wall Calendar, featuring a Civil War fact for each day of the year and beautiful photos from our annual photo contest. Plus, every purchase helps save hallowed battlefield ground—this makes a perfect gift for the history buff(s) on your list.

December Civil War Battles

December battles Expand your knowledge of the Civil War by learning more about some of the great Civil War battles that occurred in the month of December. Access our history articles, photos, maps, and links for the battles listed below:

Dispatches from the Front Lines

Civil War preservation news from around the country

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