Match Your Gift 10 to 1 at Cross Keys Battlefield

The Cross Keys Battlefield is being pressed on three sides and in some cases subdivided from within, and the development pressures are threatening to change the character of the battlefield forever. This isn’t melodrama or exaggeration; it’s a reality and a challenge; a challenge that we should meet at every opportunity. We have one of those opportunities right now and want us to move forward quickly to sure up our defenses along the northern portion of the battlefield with the purchase of the historic Pirkey Farm where Fremont’s Federal army deployed and launched the first attack of the battle. This is more than 173 acres of core battlefield and will give us ownership of three corners of one of the most development targeted intersections in the area; and, for the first time, give visitor access to the property!

Right now, plans by the Virginia Department of Transportation for road improvements and plans by Rockingham County for the possible construction of a new high school are both threatening Cross Keys. Both projects would destroy hallowed ground and degrade the historic integrity of the surrounding landscape. And both projects will directly impact the Pirkey Farm that we worked with Mr. Charles Smith to put under easement six years ago.

The other issue with our current easement is that it provides no access to the property. Without this purchase we won’t be able to create driving pull-offs or future trail access severely diminishing our ability to interpret the battle action and enhance the visitor experience.

In short, this is one property where we strongly feel that an easement is not enough. We need the security and control that comes with ownership and Mr. Smith’s love for the property, faith in the Foundation and estate planning has given us path to ownership that would not otherwise have been possible.

This would be a good investment if we had to raise every dime, but it’s an even better investment knowing that with Mr. Smith’s gift of value and federal preservation funds what we raise will be matched by almost 10 to 1! We think you can see how important this property is and we know you’ll understand how these dollars make sense (play on words intended!). Please do what you can to make this purchase possible. Every gift will be matched when you join the fight to save this amazing property. Cross Keys is too important and under too much pressure to let this opportunity go by. Thank you in advance for joining this campaign.

Will Eichler of Civil War Digital Digest at the

Cross Keys Battlefield