Henrico County project to receive more than $370,000 in grant funds to protect Civil War Battlefield lands
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on Thursday that more than $6 million in grant funds will go towards protecting hundreds of acres of battlefield lands. One Henrico County project will receive more than $370,000 due to these grants.
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the governor's office announced more than $6.1 million in grant funds will protect 423 acres of American Civil War battlefield lands in the Commonwealth. Ten projects are expected to receive funding to "acquire land for permanent preservation and battlefield interpretation" for the 2025 grant round, officials said.
The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will reportedly administer the grant funds, awarded through the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (VBPF), per the governor's office.
“America was made in Virginia, and as we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s more important than ever to protect and share the history that shaped who we are,” Youngkin said. “By safeguarding these battlefields, we keep that story alive for generations to come.”
Per the governor's office, the General Assembly established the VBPF more than a decade ago, in 2010. The preservation fund authorizes the DHR to give grants to private nonprofits to protect Virginia battlefield lands.
“Virginia’s legacy of battlefield preservation and stewardship is reaffirmed by these grant awards. DHR is proud to administer a state-funded competitive grant program that puts Virginia in the forefront of battlefield preservation and interpretation,” said Julie Langan, DHR Director.
The governor's office said three nonprofit organizations will be awarded VBPF grants this year: the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, the American Battlefield Trust and the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield.
While the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will both support one project each outside of the Central Virginia area, the American Battlefield will receive grant funds totaling $4,244,750 to support eight projects, including one in Henrico County.
Per the governor's office, of the grant money the American Battlefield Trust will receive, $377,000 is for a fee-simple acquisition of two properties on the Deep Bottom II Battlefield in Henrico County. The Graham Tract and the Krevonick Tract will support the corridor of conserved land growth, officials said.
“Virginia’s legacy of battlefield preservation and stewardship is reaffirmed by these grant awards. DHR is proud to administer a state-funded competitive grant program that puts Virginia in the forefront of battlefield preservation and interpretation,” said Julie Langan, DHR Director.
Grant recipients must donate an easement to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources for acreage acquired due to state grant funds, like the VDHR funding.
