News Release

National Park Service Awards $8.5 Million in Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants to Preserve Historic Battlefield Lands

Tree lined green fields with a white building in the background, small purple flowers in the foreground
Blooming flowers in the rolling hills of Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 31, 2026

Contact: NewsMedia@nps.gov

WASHINGTON — The National Park Service today announced it  will award $8,567,745 in Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, advancing President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to conserving America’s historic landscapes and outdoor heritage.  

The grants support state, tribal, local and nonprofit partners working to acquire and permanently protect threatened battlefield lands associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War.  

“These awards expand the local stewardship efforts of state and local governments and preservation partners to increase protection of the irreplaceable historic and cultural landscapes in their communities,” said Jessica Bowron, Comptroller, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director.  

The Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants program helps partners acquire historically significant battlefield land outside the legislative boundaries of National Park units. Projects are selected through a competitive review process and require a 50 percent non-federal match, leveraging federal funding with significant local and private investment.   

Fiscal year 2026 grants will support preservation projects in Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Virginia, protecting portions of several historic battlefields including Resaca, Hanging Rock, Hobkirk Hill, Cumberland, Second Manassas, Bristoe Station and New Market.   

The Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants program is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which invests energy development revenues into conservation, recreation and historic preservation projects across the United States. 

A full list of the second round of fiscal year 2026 grant awards is below.  

Georgia 

American Battlefield Trust - $652,027 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 273.01-acre Springbank Tract at the Resaca Battlefield – Resaca 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield.  

American Battlefield Trust will acquire 273.01 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Georgia Piedmont Land Trust.  

Mississippi 

American Battlefield Trust - $1,838,095 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 1,015.46-acre Dornbush HH Tract at the Chickasaw Bayou Battlefield – Vicksburg 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield.  

American Battlefield Trust will acquire 1,015.46 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Mississippi Department of Archives and History.  

South Carolina 

American Battlefield Trust - $538,613 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 159-acre Jamari Tract at the Hanging Rock Battlefield – Heath Springs 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield.  

American Battlefield Trust will acquire 159 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Katawba Valley Land Trust.  
 

Kershaw County, South Carolina - $132,494 

Project Partner: South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 0.86-acre Kelly Tract at the Hobkirk Hill Battlefield– Camden 

South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust has acquired the 0.86-acre Kelly Tract. A protective easement will be conveyed to Katawba Valley Land Trust. 

Virginia 

American Battlefield Trust - $106,899 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 42.31-acre tract at Cumberland Church Battlefield – Farmville 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield.  

American Battlefield Trust will acquire 42.31 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 
 

American Battlefield Trust - $521,003 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 2.66-acre Nason Tract at the Second Manassas Battlefield – Manassas 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield.  

American Battlefield Trust will acquire 2.66 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Virginia Department of Historic Resources.  
 

American Battlefield Trust - $4,251,375 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 152.18-acre Hylton Tract at the Bristoe Station Battlefield - Bristow 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield.  

American Battlefield Trust will acquire 152.18 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 
 

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - $450,454 

Project Partner: Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation 

Non-Federal Acquisition of 45.56-acre Funk Tract at the Cedar Creek Battlefield – Middletown 

The grant will acquire and preserve this portion of the battlefield. 

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, in partnership with Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation will acquire 45.56 acres of the battlefield. After acquisition by Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, a protective easement will be conveyed to Virginia Department of Historic Resources.  
 

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation - $76,785 

Project Partner: American Battlefield Trust 

Supplemental Award for Additional Section 106 Expenses for P20AP00213 (Cedar Mountain Trimble) - Rapidan 

The grant will support 50% of the additional Section 106 expenses.  

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in partnership with American Battlefield Trust will support a Phase I archeological survey of the 88.47-acre Trimble tract at Cedar Mountain Battlefield. After acquisition by American Battlefield Trust, a protective easement will be conveyed to Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 

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Last updated: March 31, 2026