Americans for Battlefield Preservation

09/22/2026

Did you hear? The historic Witness Tree at the Battle of Eutaw Springs is standing strong once more!

The tree has witnessed centuries of history at this important Revolutionary War battlefield.

Read the news below:

Earlier this summer, we asked for your help in protecting an extraordinary witness to American history: a centuries-old live oak tree standing on preserved...

09/14/2026

in 1862: Union forces under Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan clashed with Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at the Battle of South Mountain. Union forces captured the mountain passes, forcing Lee to withdraw, but the fighting gave Confederate troops time to regroup before the Battle of Antietam three days later.

Learn more below!

On September 14 1862, Union commander George B. McClellan tried to force his troops through three passes in the South Mountain range: Fox's Gap, Turner's Gap, and Crampton's Gap. The Federals eventually forced their way through, but the delay gave Robert E. Lee time to collect his army and prepare f...

09/01/2026

in 1862, the Battle of Chantilly (also known as Ox Hill) was fought in Northern Virginia as Union forces attempted to cover their retreat toward Washington, D.C., following the Confederate victory at Second Manassas.

Despite fighting during a severe thunderstorm, the Union suffered the loss of two division commanders, Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny and Brig. Gen. Isaac Stevens. The battle helped clear the way for Robert E. Lee’s army to turn north and launch the Maryland Campaign.

Learn more below!

The Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill) page includes battle maps, history articles, historical facts, recommended books, web links, and more on this 1862 Civil War battle in Virginia.

08/18/2026

Learn more about the incredible opportunity to preserve more than 340 acres of Civil War history across four significant battlefields — help the Trust reach their final $115,000 needed to make this endeavor happen!

The Trust saved its first acre at Cedar Mountain decades ago, and we’re not finished yet. Today we can save five parcels totaling more than 340 acres at...

08/14/2026

Did you hear? The American Battlefield Trust just saved 160 acres at Hanging Rock Battlefield, bringing the total preserved battlefield acreage to more than 300 — this hallowed ground is now protected for generations to come.

Today, as we mark the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Hanging Rock, one of the few Patriot victories of the summer of 1780, we get to celebrate another victory together. Thanks to the support of our members, the Trust has just saved 160 acres of hallowed ground at Hanging Rock!

This precious battlefield sits not far from the rapidly expanding metropolitan area in Charlotte, N.C., which is why the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Hanging Rock Battlefield one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in America earlier this year.

These acres of hallowed ground were at risk of being lost to development forever. Instead, generations to come will be able to visit Hanging Rock and learn the crucial role this battle played in our fight for independence.

This tract is located directly adjacent to land previously saved by the Trust and our partners, now totaling more than 300 unified acres of saved battlefield land.
In addition to the generosity of our donors, this Victory could not have been possible without both federal and state support, including grants from the American Battlefield Protection Program, the SC Conservation Bank, and Sustain SC.

The battlefield is also part of The Liberty Trail SC, a statewide initiative developed in partnership with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust to connect and interpret key Revolutionary War locations across the Palmetto State. Today, visitors to Hanging Rock can experience a three-quarter-mile walking loop and interpretive signage detailing the battle and its significance, as well as The Liberty Trail’s robust digital offerings.

Learn more about this victory: https://bit.ly/4wasnxw

Explore The Liberty Trail SC: https://bit.ly/4w75yuy

08/06/2026

On this day in 1780, Patriot forces struck the British outpost at Hanging Rock, S.C., in an effort to weaken British control of the South. Although American forces withdrew, the battle is considered a Patriot victory that helped strengthen the fight against British control in the region.

Today, Hanging Rock faces a different challenge as it was named one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation earlier this year.

08/05/2026

Did you know? On this day in 1814, a nighttime assault on Fort Erie ended in disaster for British forces and marked a turning point in the siege!

Read the full story below:

During the invasion of Upper Canada amidst the War of 1812, the United States found mixed results from their armies. However, the American Army was able to...

07/21/2026

New preservation opportunity to help save 155 acres across two Civil War battlefields, find more information below!

Help preserve 155 threatened acres at Bristoe Station and Cold Harbor before they're lost to development. Every gift is matched with an incredible $27-to-$1...

07/16/2026

A rare opportunity to preserve 40 acres at Chalmette Battlefield was announced earlier this month by the American Battlefield Trust. It is the largest remaining tract associated with the Battle of New Orleans. Learn more about this opportunity below.

Preserve some of the most important acres from the War of 1812 that we will EVER be able to save! This is likely the LAST and certainly the LARGEST piece of...

07/14/2026

Amazing news for the battlefield preservation movement! The American Battlefield Trust just announced the conclusion of their historic capital campaign. Read the announcement below!

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our members, the American Battlefield Trust's Our Enduring Legacy campaign raised $165 million to preserve historic battlefields, expand history education, and inspire future generations.