American Battlefield Trust

American Battlefield Trust. The American Battlefield Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving American Civil War battlefields, such as Gettysburg National Military Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Founded in 1987 by Civil War historians and preservationists, including Shelby Foote and James M. McPherson, the organization has worked to protect and preserve historic sites, such as Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Petersburg National Battlefield. The trust has also collaborated with other organizations, including the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to achieve its goals.

● History

The American Battlefield Trust was established in 1987, with the initial goal of preserving Civil War battlefields, such as Chancellorsville and Bull Run. The organization's early efforts focused on protecting sites, like Shiloh National Military Park and Vicksburg National Military Park, from development and destruction. Over time, the trust expanded its scope to include War of 1812 and American Revolutionary War sites, such as Fort McHenry and Yorktown Battlefield. The trust has worked with notable historians, including David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin, to promote the importance of preserving historic sites, like Valley Forge National Historical Park and Saratoga National Historical Park.

● Mission and Activities

The American Battlefield Trust's mission is to preserve American history by protecting historic battlefields, such as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Kings Mountain National Military Park. The organization achieves this goal through a variety of activities, including land acquisition, historic preservation, and education. The trust has worked with organizations, like the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution, to promote historic preservation and education. The trust also partners with state and local governments, such as the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland, to protect and preserve historic sites, like Harper's Ferry National Historical Park and Monocacy National Battlefield.

● Preservation Efforts

The American Battlefield Trust has been involved in numerous preservation efforts, including the protection of Gettysburg National Military Park and Antietam National Battlefield. The organization has worked to preserve historic sites, such as Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Petersburg National Battlefield, by acquiring land and promoting historic preservation. The trust has also collaborated with other organizations, like the National Park Foundation and the Civil War Preservation Trust, to protect and preserve historic sites, like Shiloh National Military Park and Vicksburg National Military Park. Additionally, the trust has worked with notable preservationists, including Stewart Udall and Russell Train, to promote the importance of preserving historic sites, like Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Yorktown Battlefield.

● Organization and Leadership

The American Battlefield Trust is led by a board of trustees, which includes notable historians and preservationists, such as James M. McPherson and Gary Gallagher. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a staff of preservationists, historians, and educators. The trust also has a network of regional offices and partners with local organizations, like the Virginia Historical Society and the Maryland Historical Society, to promote historic preservation and education. The trust's leadership has included notable figures, such as O. James Lighthizer and Catherine Giessel, who have worked to promote the organization's mission and goals.

● Notable Battles and Sites

The American Battlefield Trust has worked to preserve numerous historic battlefields and sites, including Gettysburg National Military Park, Antietam National Battlefield, and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The organization has also protected sites, like Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Petersburg National Battlefield, which are significant to American history. Other notable sites preserved by the trust include Shiloh National Military Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Yorktown Battlefield. The trust has also worked to protect historic sites, like Fort McHenry and Valley Forge National Historical Park, which are important to American Revolutionary War and War of 1812 history. Additionally, the trust has preserved sites, such as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Kings Mountain National Military Park, which are significant to Native American history and the American Revolutionary War. The trust's efforts have helped to protect and preserve these historic sites, ensuring that they remain an important part of American history and cultural heritage. Category:Historic preservation organizations