battleofshepherdstown.org

The SBPA 5th Annual Benefit Concert and Auction was held at the Shepherdstown Train Station. Entertainment was provided by Hard Swimmin Fish, a Frederick-based blues band. You can hear their music by going to their website at: www.hardswimminfish.com

This year’s concert featured an auction of, among other items, several Civil War related items listed below.

Item 1) A limited edition print of “The Institute Will Be Heard From Today”, signed by the renowned Civil War artist, Don Prechtel, estimated value: $150-$250,

Item 2) A copy of The Official Military Atlas of the Civil War, retail value: $70;

Item 3) A 3-hour “VIP” tour of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for up to 10 people guided by Scot Faulkner, estimated value: $200,

Item 4) A 3-hour tour of the Antietam Battlefield guided by historian Dr. Thomas Clemens for up to 4 people, estimated value: $100; and

Item 5) A signed copy of Scott Faulkner’s book Naked Emperors, estimated value: $25.

The Loudon County-based Doukenie Winery has also graciously donated several items for auction:

Item 6) Included are two tickets to a barrel tasting event to be held on December 12, 2009, face value: $90; and

Item 7) A private wine tasting for up to 12 people at the winery’s Heritage Club Room, face value: $150.

Thanks to all who helped make this a successful event with more than 90 attendees and raising $3100.

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PRESS RELEASE:
BATTLEFIELD GROUP PROPOSES COUNTY RIVER PARK

For Immediate Release – July 30, 2009
Shepherdstown, West Virginia

For more information, contact:
Edward E. Dunleavy
President,
Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association Inc.
(917) 747 - 5748

BATTLEFIELD GROUP PROPOSES COUNTY RIVER PARK

At the weekly meeting of the Jefferson County Commission, the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association Inc. (SBPA) proposed that the County pursue an opportunity to purchase 13 acres on the Potomac River for use as a County park. Ed Dunleavy, President of SBPA, cited a communication he had with the owner of the parcel who indicated that he was willing to negotiate its sale if the land was “used for park/historic activity.”

The parcel is historic and could be used for boat access to the Potomac River. The land is an important part of the County’s industrial history containing the remnants of a Cement Mill and kilns that operated from 1829 until 1904. The product of the mill was used to construct the C&O Canal and buildings in Washington D.C. It is also of great historical value because it is part of the site of the 1862 Battle of Shepherdstown. The battle, fought on September 19 and 20, 1862, was the bloodiest Civil War battle in what is now West Virginia involving more than 9,000 troops and resulting in 677 casualties.

While Dunleavy pointed out that he does not know the value of the property, he suggested to the County Commission that funds for the purchase could come from the $250,000 that SBPA obtained for the County through the Federal Transportation Enhancement program. The Civil War Preservation Trust agreed to supply the matching funds. In addition, Dunleavy reminded the Commission that the County had set aside $100,000 to purchase battlefield land.

Dunleavy’s presentation included a letter from the property’s owner indicating his willingness to negotiate with the County. Also, he included letters of support to pursue this opportunity from the President of the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Chairman of the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission.

The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association Inc. (SBPA), organized in 2004, is a non-profit, Section 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving and preserving the site of the 1862 Battle of Shepherdstown. SBPA has preserved 84 acres by way of conservation easements granted by members who own property on the site. For more information and to purchase the book entitled: Shepherdstown: Last Clash of the Antietam Campaign September 19 – 20, 1862 ; please visit www.battleofshepherdstown.org

UPDATE:
BATTLEFIELD GROUP PROPOSES COUNTY RIVER PARK

In an unprecedented, earth-shaking vote, the Jefferson County Commission agreed, unanimously, with the essence of SBPA's proposal to pursue a Potomac River Front Park. They voted, 5 to 0, to begin action to extend the Transportation Enhancement Grant that soon expires and unanimously recommended that the County's Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) pursue the purchase of the "Cement Mill Property". Informally, they appeared to agree that if the PRC successfully negotiated the purchase the property, the County Commission would allocate the $100,000 set aside several years ago to purchase battlefield land to the purchase of the "Cement Mill".

And they say miracles never occur.

-SBPA Board of Directors

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The Battle of Shepherdstown was fought on September 19 – 20, 1862 over approximately one square mile, east of what was then Shepherdstown, Virginia and south of the Potomac River and Boteler's (aka Packhorse) Ford. The battle was the last of three battles fought during the Army of Northern Virginia's (ANV) Antietam or Maryland Campaign. Approximately 9000 troops took part in the Shepherdstown battle with 677 casualties about equally divided between the Union Army of the Potomac and Robert E. Lee's troops. The battle's significance is that it was a contributing factor in Lee's decision to reverse the order to move north back into Maryland. As a consequence, the ANV retreated up the Shenandoah Valley toward Winchester. That retreat allowed the Union Army to declare a military victory and enabled President Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

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