Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor and Civil War Trust Celebrate Preservation Successes at Antietam

SHARPSBURG, Md., Sept. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During ceremonies today at Antietam National Battlefield, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor joined the Civil War Trust to announce the preservation of 44 historic acres at the battlefield's epicenter.

"This land is exceptionally important to the story of Antietam," said Connor.  "It is rare to preserve a property of such historic significance, and I applaud the hard work of organizations like the Civil War Trust who help make sure we can continue sharing our country's history with future generations."

Deputy Secretary Connor was joined by Civil War Trust President James Lighthizer and Antietam National Battlefield Superintendent Susan Trail.

Protection of this parcel was the result of a national fundraising campaign undertaken by the Civil War Trust.  The property was sold to the Trust by Lilli Wilson, whose husband and father-in-law served in the U.S. Army.

The tract is surrounded by iconic Antietam landmarks such as the Cornfield and Dunker Church.  Thousands of soldiers charged across the triangular parcel during six hours of morning combat on September 17, 1862.

The Civil War Trust is also engaged in fundraising to preserve two other historic properties near the Wilson tract:  a 1.2-acre parcel near the North Woods and six acres near the East Woods.

The Save Historic Antietam Foundation (SHAF) and the Civil War Trust will handle land restoration.  Plans include removing the non-historic fence line and a modern barn, as well as replanting 3.5 acres of the East Woods.

"As with all our major preservations projects, we rely on our members and partners like SHAF to see this effort through to a successful conclusion," noted Lighthizer.  "Their unwavering commitment to the Trust's mission is something that continues to inspire me."

Ultimately, the land will be transferred to the NPS.

"These 44 acres at the epicenter of Antietam battlefield will be an incredible addition to the park," said Trail.  "Our visitors will gain a much clearer picture of the morning phase of the battle, and, I hope, take away greater reverence for the men who fought here."

The Civil War Trust, America's premier nonprofit battlefield preservation organization, has preserved 41,000 acres of battlefield land in 21 states to date, including 299 acres at Antietam.  www.civilwar.org.

SOURCE Civil War Trust

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