Landmark Moment for Battlefield Preservation and Heritage Tourism

Virginia State Appropriation to Fund 1,731 Acres of Parkland, Trails, and Amenities

In what is the Virginia General Assembly’s single most important session for battlefield preservation since the creation of the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund in 2010, the Virginia legislature has made a massive investment in protecting hallowed ground – bringing seven new battlefield parks and opening 1,731 acres of land to the public in Virginia’s beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley.

As part of the Commonwealth’s biennial budget, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District (NHD) will receive a $4.75 million appropriation in the Virginia state budget over the next two years to effectively promote heritage tourism, increase public access to preserved lands, and improve the visitor experience at already preserved battlefield sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

“This appropriation is a seminal moment for the National Historic District and the Battlefields Foundation,” said Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF), the management entity for the National Historic District.  “It is an unprecedented and unparalleled investment in battlefield parks and battlefield tourism, one that will benefit the citizens of Virginia for decades to come.”

The funds will be used by the SVBF to develop seven new battlefield parks, totaling 1,731 acres, across four counties (Frederick, Shenandoah, Rockingham, and Highland) as part of the SVBF’s Shenandoah Valley Tourism Infrastructure Plan. They will fund improvements that will include highway signage, parking facilities, trailheads, restroom facilities, trails, interpretive signage, environmental protections, fencing, the completion of the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum and the creation of the New Market history and education center.

Battlefields parks included in the SVBF’s work will include Second Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Tom’s Brook, New Market, Cross Keys, Port Republic, and McDowell.  Other battlefields that will benefit from new visitor services include Third Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Piedmont.

Battlefields and historic preservation are powerful and proven economic drivers for the region, and Virginia communities that have embraced battlefield preservation have seen enormous economic benefits.  An independent study conducted by the National Park Service found that the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District generates $291.3 million in annual economic impact through tourism and supports 3,930 jobs.

Based on the current economic impact of the National Historic district, this budget amendment is expected to generate a more than 600 to 1 return over ten years.

Walker added that the appropriation is the result of the hard work, support, and vision of state legislators.  Delegate Tony O. Wilt sponsored the amendment for the appropriation in the House of Delegates, and Senator Emmett Hanger and Senator Jill Holtzman Vogel co-sponsored it in the Senate.  And Delegate Barry Knight and Delegate Terry Austin, Chair and Vice‐Chair, respectively, of the House Appropriations Committee, were instrumental in the inclusion of the appropriation.

This is a major victory for Delegate Todd Gilbert of Shenandoah County, the Speaker of the House, who has long championed the importance of the history and scenic beauty of the Shenandoah Valley to the region’s economy, who was one of the appropriation’s strongest proponents and who worked hard to bring the Valley and the appropriators together.

“Virginia’s history runs through the Shenandoah Valley, and I’m honored to have been a part of the team that worked to make this happen,” said Gilbert.  “These funds will build on the great work already done by the Foundation and others who have fought to preserve these hallowed, historic grounds, and ensure that they’re here for future generations to experience, learn from, and enjoy."

Other legislators who offered critical support include Delegate G. John Avoli, Delegate William D. (Bill) Wiley, Delegate Chris Runion, and Delegate Ronnie R. Campbell.

This appropriation is a one-time expenditure that will have long term economic benefit for the Commonwealth. The new parks will open the Valley for increased visitation by heritage tourists and those seeking outdoor recreation opportunities, and will have an enormous impact on Valley businesses – benefiting hotels, restaurants, wineries, gas stations, convenient stores and other tourist destinations throughout the region.

“Virginia has reaffirmed its commitment to sharing its history with the world,” Walker said. “This funding will ensure a bright future for the Shenandoah Valley through heritage tourism. People don’t realize what a major economic driver tourism is, bringing millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs to our region.”

Residents throughout the Valley and the Commonwealth are expected to benefit from the increased availability of parks, trails, and greenspace, while the new parks and sites will give an immense boost to heritage tourism – drawing domestic and international travelers and tourists whose travel-related spending will be a powerful economic driver for businesses throughout the Valley.