Middletown Preserves Key Cedar Creek Battlefield Land

MIDDLETOWN, Va. — The Middletown Town Council voted tonight to purchase and permanently preserve roughly four acres of historically significant land located at the intersection of Reliance Road and U.S. Route 11 (Valley Pike), a property that played an important role during the Battle of Cedar Creek and earlier military operations during the Civil War.

The acquisition was made possible in large part through the generosity of developer Dave Holliday, who provided a $200,000 discount on the property, making the preservation effort financially achievable for the Town.

The newly preserved parcel occupies a critical position within the core area of the Cedar Creek Battlefield (VA122), recognized by the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission as a Priority I.1, Class A battlefield, a designation reserved for sites of exceptional national significance and urgent preservation need. Cedar Creek's decisive influence on military operations during the Civil War makes every acre of protected land vital to understanding and interpreting our nation's history.

In addition to preserving an important piece of battlefield landscape, the acquisition provides several significant benefits for the community. The property will serve as much-needed event parking for Middletown's annual Independence Day Celebration and Christmas Parade, help facilitate the construction of a long-anticipated traffic signal approved by VDOT and proffered through development agreements, and support future pedestrian connectivity by allowing sidewalks to extend to Laurel Ridge Community College.

Town officials noted that preserving the parcel will also help manage future growth pressures at one of the community's busiest intersections while improving transportation planning and public safety along the Route 11 corridor.

Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV emphasized the importance of the acquisition as part of the Town’s long-term vision.

“In our most recent comprehensive plan, 60 percent of respondents identified historic preservation as the top priority for Middletown’s future. This purchase reflects that shared commitment. We are deeply grateful to Dave Holliday for his generosity and willingness to work with the Town, and we are proud to continue protecting the landscapes that define our identity and tell the story of the Battle of Cedar Creek. I am particularly proud of the Middletown Town Council for aggressively pursuing land preservation measures while also securing practical benefits for our residents.”

Vice Mayor Jeffrey Pennington noted the property's significance beyond the Battle of Cedar Creek.

“This preserved parcel also witnessed skirmish activity involving Confederate General Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign and Union forces under General Nathaniel Banks during the Federal retreat through the Valley. Preserving this land protects an important chapter of American history while also relieving development pressure on Reliance Road and Valley Pike.”

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation CEO Kevin Walker praised Middletown's continued leadership in balancing growth with preservation.

“Preservation is more about the future than the past, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a community in the Valley that understands that as well as Middletown. Middletown’s leaders have proven that preservation can be a major part of an economically thriving community, that growth and preservation can be given equal consideration when thoughtful people are planning for the future.”

The timing of the Town Council’s action is especially meaningful as Middletown prepares to welcome thousands of visitors this weekend for the 162nd Battle of Cedar Creek Reenactment, one of the nation’s premier living history events. By preserving this highly visible battlefield gateway property on the eve of the reenactment, the Town reaffirms its commitment to protecting the landscapes where history unfolded while ensuring future generations can better understand and experience the events that shaped both the Shenandoah Valley and the nation.

Mayor Harbaugh further reflected on the significance of the timing.

“The timing of this preservation effort could not be more appropriate as we prepare to host the 162nd Battle of Cedar Creek Reenactment this weekend. Thousands of visitors will come to Middletown to experience and learn about our history. Tonight’s action demonstrates that we are not only telling the story of the Battle of Cedar Creek, but actively preserving the very ground where that history occurred. It sends a powerful message that Middletown remains committed to protecting its heritage while responsibly planning for the future.”

With this acquisition, Middletown now safeguards nearly 50 acres of historic land within its municipal boundaries, complementing more than 2,000 acres of protected battlefield land preserved by regional preservation partners surrounding the town. The purchase represents another step forward in Middletown’s long-standing commitment to honoring its heritage while thoughtfully planning for future growth.