Preservation Opportunity at

Fisher’s Hill Battlefield

146 Acres of Core Battlefield

Hot on the heels of preservation victories at Third Winchester, New Market, and Tom’s Brook, we are tackling another massive project, this one at Fisher’s Hill where Confederate defenders desperately tried to resist the overwhelming assault of George Crook’s Army of West Virginia. The target property includes much of what at the time of the War was the Funkhouser farm. Nestled along Tumbling Run, it includes the western slope of the high ground known today as Ramseur’s Hill.  That hill is where the left of the Confederate Infantry line was anchored.  Overlooking the low fields along the Tumbling Run, North Carolina troops under Confederate Gen. Stephen D. Ramseur’s command dug in – their trenches still visible on this property today.  As those North Carolinians peered westward, the only thing that stood between them and any Federal attack was what was left of Early’s depleted cavalry and the terrain itself.  

Now, the only thing that stands between the preservation of this property and its development into high-end home sites is us – you and I and our small army of preservation heroes. Our small organization with its grand mission is constantly punching above its weight – constantly achieving what our balance sheets would suggest is impossible. What you’re accomplishing here in the Valley is nothing short of miraculous, and we can’t let up now. 

Due to the timeline necessitated by the seller, we had to move quickly and pull the trigger on this project before we had the means to do it.  To secure these 146 acres before they were lost, we executed a contract and gave a $100,000 down payment to the owners.  Shortly after that, we had to close on the property.  To do that, we took out a $1.5 million loan.  Since then, we’ve been working as fast as possible to complete all the necessary due diligence to secure grant funding and wrapping up projects already underway so that we can turn all our guns toward this project. 

View of the Target Property with Ramseur’s Hill at right

This property is far too critical to let go.  Take a look at the map and read the historic sketch included with this letter.  Even a quick review and you will see that failure on the Funkhouser farm is not an option.  The property adjoins our Ramseur’s Hill Battlefield Site and when preserved will be a major step toward creating the new battlefield park experience at Fisher’s Hill that we’ve envisioned.  The 146 acres of the target property could be quickly connected to our existing trail system and allow visitors to explore what truly is the most hotly contested part of the battlefield. 

Not only that, the natural beauty of this property is stunning.  The dramatic terrain and the mix of fields and forest make it an amazing place to be – worthy of preservation, even if a battle had never been fought there.  The historic Funkhouser house, believed to be a Union hospital site following the battle, is situated near the center of the property, and would be protected along with this large tract of core battlefield.  I really can’t say enough about the property – it's one of the most exciting preservation projects that we’ve worked on – but the timing has been unfortunate. 

Target Property in Yellow

Well, that time has come.  And we desperately need to raise the funds needed to keep this project alive and not lose it to our banking partner before we can draw down state and federal funding to wrap it up.

So, I’m asking you to help me raise the $100,000 in down payment funds, the cash needed to complete all the due diligence work (legal fees, surveys, appraisals, title work, etc.) and the money needed to help us cover what is expected to be another 10 months of interest payments to hold this property while you and I bring this project to a close.  All told, we need to raise $308,000.  If we can, it will unlock more than $1.5 million in state and federal funds, and we will have preserved this amazing property for all time. To put this need into perspective, interest alone on this project is nearly $10,000 a month.  The quicker we complete this project, the less it will cost us.  Please help us to move swiftly and join this fight on Ramsuer’s Hill. 

Will Eichler on the Target Property