Youngkin Awards $6 Million to Preserve Virginia’s Battlefields

Youngkin Awards Over $6 Million to Preserve Virginia’s Civil War Battlefields

Ten projects will protect more than 400 acres of historic land, expanding access and preserving key battle sites across the state.

Published October 18, 2025

CN19051506V_009_e7cf6697-c88f-40a3-a45d-ef050fe33d6b

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced more than $6 million in state grants to protect 423 acres of Civil War battlefields across Virginia, funding ten land acquisition projects aimed at preserving history and expanding public access.

“America was made in Virginia, and as we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s more important than ever to protect and share the history that shaped who we are,” Youngkin said. “By safeguarding these battlefields, we keep that story alive for generations to come.”

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will distribute the funds through the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund, which was established in 2010 to protect sites from the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. This year, all grants went to Civil War-related projects after no applications were submitted for the earlier wars.

Three nonprofit organizations will receive the grants: the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, the American Battlefield Trust, and the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield. The American Battlefield Trust will receive the largest portion—over $4.2 million—for eight projects in Prince William, Henrico, Smyth, James City, and York counties. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation will receive $1.75 million for 130 acres in Frederick County tied to the 1862 Kernstown I Battlefield, while the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will receive $195,925 to acquire 40 acres in Orange County associated with the 1863 Mine Run Battlefield.

“Virginia’s legacy of battlefield preservation and stewardship is reaffirmed by these grant awards,” said Julie Langan, Director of the Department of Historic Resources. “DHR is proud to administer a state-funded competitive grant program that puts Virginia in the forefront of battlefield preservation and interpretation.”

1/2.🪧 Now available to all property owners for which DHR administers an historic preservation easement! This colorful, 10” x 20” metal sign, provides an opportunity to share with the public that a property is forever protected. pic.twitter.com/VsyoMM2SVd
— VA Dept. of Historic Resources (@VaDHR_SHPO) October 16, 2025

All grant recipients must donate perpetual easements to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources, ensuring the land remains protected from subdivision and commercial development while preserving its archaeological and historic integrity. (RELATED: Hundreds of Thousands of Virginians Cast their Vote Before Jay Jones Scandal)

Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon noted the broader benefits of the initiative: “Investments in preservation not only protect historic resources but also provide a connection to Virginia’s incredible natural resources. Keeping battlefield lands intact provides opportunities for Virginians to get outdoors and explore hallowed grounds that played a significant role in our nation’s history.”

The selected projects were chosen based on historical significance, threat of development, proximity to other protected lands, and potential for education, research, and tourism. (RELATED: Republican Attorney General Helped Shut Down Brothel That Democratic Prosecutor Tolerated)