Governor’s request to create a historic and recreational park in the heart of Virginia’s
RICHMOND, Va.—T American Battlefield T applauds Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s announcement
million for land acquisition to create a Culpeper Battlefields State Park. The announcement was part of a package of legislative initiatives and bud amendments submitted the Governor to the General Assembly on January 21, 2022.
“Friday’s announcement marks an important step in the effort to create a Culpeper Battlefiel State Park,” noted Trust Presid David Duncan. “Culpeper’s battlefields are among the most pristine and historic in the na
Brandy Station, Va. Army of the Congress) 12 – American Battlefield Trus 40 – Book Reviews 35 – Central Virginia Battlefi
Transforming this landscape into a state park will produce a heritage tourism destination in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont with educational, recreational, and economic opportunities that will benefit visitors and local residents alike.” The Culpeper Battlefields State Park initiative is a propo to create a state park from a critical mass of more than 1,700-acres of preserved lands on the Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain Battlefields. While thi landscape’s overarching national significance is associated with famous Civil War battles and events, the region is rich in history and culture. The pristin countryside visible today retain the imprint of its first native people and the generations that
followed. State Senator Bryce Reeves, long a champion of a state park in Culpeper County, urged the Governor to make a Culpeper Battlefields State Park a priori for the new administration.
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next state park. I look forward to the day when Virginians and visitors from throughout the country can learn about our nation’s history by visiting th hallowed grounds.” Joining Senator Reeves in support of a Culpeper Battlefie State Park is a long-standing and bipartisan coalition of sta legislators, national and local preservation organizations, and Culpeper government officials. In 2016, the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors and the Culpeper Town Council both passed resolutions endorsing a state battlefield park in Culpe County. As submitted, the Governor’s budget amendment sets aside
the state park. The amendment indicates the funding “[p]rovid for the purchase of land to cre a new state park in Culpeper County that will have multiple recreational and educational opportunities.” Nestled in the Virginia ar 16 ens 10
Piedmont, Culpeper County is widely recognized for its scen character, natural beauty, and abundant history. Its pristine rivers, rolling landsc recreational opportunities, an unparalleled historic resource make it a desirable location for a state park. Its location between the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers made it an area of strategic importance during the Civil War, and thousands of enslaved peoples crossed it rivers, heading northward to Freedom; some returned as free men to fight for their country this very soil. The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today The nonprofit, nonparti organization has protected mor than 54,000 acres associated w the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more
