Fierce battles were fought across much of the nation during the American Civil War. The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, in particular, saw some of the most significant action. Indeed, more than 325 armed conflicts took place here.  Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Valley campaign, Lee’s drive toward Gettysburg, and Sheridan’s 1864 Shenandoah campaign all played key roles in the course of the Civil War… Read More

Modern visitors are able to view the Shenandoah Valley’s landscape much as it was seen by soldiers and civilians during the region’s important Civil War campaigns.  The agricultural economy that was so devastated by the war rebounded in the post-war years and has sustained the Valley’s rural character for 140 years.  But this historic landscape and the battlefields are rapidly disappearing.

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District
In 1996 the United States Congress created the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District to protect this national resource and to ensure that future generations would be able to explore the Valley’s Civil War story and more fully understand its impact on the American experience.

The National Historic District—one of the nation’s congressionally-designated National Heritage Areas—encompasses ten battlefields and more than 325 military engagements as well as numerous related historic sites.

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation
As approved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation is responsible for leading the preservation effort.  As directed by its legislation and management plan, the Battlefields Foundation’s approach is to encourage and facilitate the efforts of local organizations and governments to be strong and effective stewards of this important national resource. Through all of its programs, grants to partners, and other activities, the Foundation partners with federal, state and local governments, civic organizations, and individuals to accomplish its legislated mission of preserving the nation’s Civil War legacy.

Your Partnership
The National Historic District’s federal funding has done much to protect and promote the Valley’s rich Civil War story.  But private support is a vital part of the formula—it is only with your help that the magnificent landscape and unique sites that tell this story can be protected for future generations.

Protecting the battlefields… Partnering with landowners, local governments, and others, the Battlefields Foundation seeks to protect the Valley’s battlefields and historic character.
The Foundation focuses on the 21,000 acres of land retaining historic integrity on the ten legislated battlefields. This is done collaboratively through the purchase of land and conservation easements from willing sellers.

The Foundation also works with local governments to improve the planning and preservation protections that will help to ensure the survival of the battlefields.

Telling the story… In addition to protecting this “outdoor classroom”, the Battlefields Foundation is developing programs to interpret the rich Civil War history of the Valley.
From museums, historic sites, and national parks, to historical societies and educational institutions—the Foundation is assisting its partners in the Valley to expand their interpretive and educational programs, offering visitors a coordinated interpretive experience throughout the National Historic District.

A strong partnership with the Virginia Civil War Trails program reduces duplication and ensures that all interpretive signage funded by the Foundation is part of the highly successful Trails program.

Promoting Visitation… As part of its economic development mission, the Battlefields Foundation is working with travel organizations and Civil War attractions to develop the materials and strategies to make the Shenandoah Valley a major destination for Civil War travelers. 

A high-quality branding and marketing program for the District.  Coordinated graphic images unifying the visitor experience.  A promotional message that will draw visitors to the Valley’s unique Civil War story.

Through orientation centers, brochures, the District’s website, and way-finding signage, the Foundation and its partners are working to offer travelers a world-class visitor experience.
“…this community-based approach emphasizes Valley hospitality and showcases the personalities, stories, and attractions of five different areas centered on the battlefields…”