Jefferson County Commission Vote on the SVBNHD

The Jefferson County Commission has voted unanimously for Jefferson County to be included in the Shenandoah Valley National Historic District. This is run by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation led by Keven Walker, CEO.

The SVB operates with a new business model for historic sites that promotes tourism opportunities such as hiking trails, signage, museums and outdoor activities. These goals align closely with SBPA proposed plans for the Shepherdstown Battlefield that promote stabilization of the Cement Mill structures, creation of a Riverside Park, establishing a Battlefield Welcome Center and Museum at the Osbourn House, and walking trails with wayside exhibits on the Osbourn Farm.

Berkely and Morgan Counties also voted to be included in the SVBHD.

Cement Mill funding request to PAWV

We submitted a request with the JC HLC for $100,000 to the Preservation Alliance of WV as part of the Pathways to Statehood Fund, celebrating the 250^th Anniversary of the U.S. The Moore CW Center was a co-sponsor and Letters of Support were provided to the HLC by the SBPA, Moore CW Center and the Shepherdstown Museum.

Unfortunately, our request was not funded. However, we were encouraged to apply for funds from other PAWV programs, which we plan to do.

A Bill has been Submitted to Congress for Federal Recognition of the Shepherdstown Battlefield

Representative Riley Moore submited a Bill to Congress for Federal recognition of the Shepherdstown Battlefield. A companion bill already awaits in the Sentate and is supported by Senators Capito and Justice.

From The WV Metro News
by Jack Carlson, September 27, 2026 – 2:16 pm 

Congressman Moore excited about legislation aimed at preserving Civil War battlefields in Eastern Panhandle
Battlefield Park in Shepherdstown, W.Va. (Photo/The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association website)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Congressman Riley Moore believes that legislation to expand the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District will help preserve integral pieces of West Virginia’s history.

Moore, R-W.Va., recently announced plans to introduce the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation Act — known as the Shenandoah VALOR Act — to Congress. It would add West Virginia’s Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties, along with Virginia’s Rockbridge County, to the historic district.

Moore said on MetroNews “Talkline” last week that it makes “all the sense in the world” to protect historic Civil War battlefields in the region.

“We’ve seen massive amounts of economic activity that come from National Historic Districts,” Moore said. “Attracting millions of visitors each year, roughly, right now, creating almost $300 million in economic impact, 4,000 jobs, $20 million, give or take, in tax revenue within that historic district.”

There are two historic battlefields in the Mountain State that the bill focuses on, Moore explained, one in Jefferson and another in Berkeley County.

“Battle of Shepherdstown, obviously that’s in Jefferson County, and the Battle of Hoke’s Run, which is in Berkeley County; Falling Waters,” Moore said. “This dovetails perfectly into that Shenandoah district that already exists in Virginia.”

Moore cited bipartisan support on the bill. He said that the entire delegation from both Virginia and West Virginia are on board. Additionally, a U.S. Senate companion bill introduced earlier this summer by U.S. Senator Jim Justice has similar support from both sides of the political aisle, Moore said.

“To me, this just makes all the sense in the world for us to preserve our history, and our history is worth preserving,” Moore said. “Were it not for the Civil War, the state of West Virginia would not exist, in fact. These are things that, not only preserving our state’s history but our nation’s history, but will also be an economic driver in bringing more people to the Eastern Panhandle.”

While the battlefields aren’t in a ‘state of emergency’ in terms of disrepair, Moore said they certainly need some work. That’s where the Shenandoah VALOR Act comes in.

“This legislation will really help and bring federal funds to be able to bear to this,” Moore said.

“The legislation is also going to authorize annual funding for grants and land acquisition through the year 2033, and those funds will give the district the resources they really need to be able to grow and do the preservation work that we’re talking about here.”

Moore said that tourism dollars will be impacted positively by this bill, were it to pass. He said there is such rich history with the Shepherdstown and Hoke’s Run skirmish; history worth preserving. Moore said the Battle of Shepherdstown happened “just down the road” from the Battle of Antietem. That struggle, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, claimed more than 22,000 lives on September 17, 1862.

Moore considers the Battle of Shepherdstown “an extension” of that struggle. He noted that Shepherdstown had a hospital for the Confederate forces. Without preserving Shepherdstown, Moore said, you can’t properly tell the history of the battle. He added that the same is true with Hoke’s Run.

“All of the famous folks that you think about were there,” Moore said. “Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee. By the way, the Battle of Hoke’s Run, Stonewall Jackson is there as well, but he’s not a general at that time. It predates all of this, he is a colonel at that time.”

The Battle of Hoke’s Run, Moore said, was an early struggle in the Civil War. While it doesn’t get the attention it should, he said, the preservation would boost awareness of its role in history. He said all in all, it’s going to drive tourism and economic dollars to tell the full story.

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and local partners would be able to develop trails, signage, tours and events at those sites if the bill becomes law

CW Blog Interview about the VALOR Bill

Shortly after the announcement that Representative Riley Moore (WV) had submitted the VALOR bill to provide Federal recognition and funding to the Shepherdstown Battlefield, John Banks contacted me for an interview. He is a famous Civil War blogger who is a big Shepherdstown Battlefield supporter! His blog on Facebook is John Banks’ Civil War Blog and he has an incredible 45,000 followers! He recently took drone video of several of the Cement Mill structures that are quite impressive. My comments about the Mill and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield National Historic District can be found on his blog.

Next: Mike Nickerson will meet on Thursday, October 8 with the lead of the Jefferson County Agrotourism Task Force about potential agriculture and tourism-related activities on the Osbourn Farm. The Task Force may enable us to begin work on establishing a walking trail, parking area, etc.

Battlefield Preservation Panel at the Moore CW Center Fall Conference

On Saturday, September 26, there was a Battlefield Preservation Panel Discussion as part of the CW Center Fall Conference at the Storer Ballroom, Shepherd University

SBPA President Dr. Mike Nickerson participated in a panel discussion about battlefield preservation at the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War Annual Fall Conference. The panel was moderated by Battlefield Supporter Dennis Frye. Our new partner, Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District also participated. This was an hour of excellent discussion about the reality of battlefield preservation. Great job Jen and Kristen!

   

September 20 Talk at the Opera House about the Cement Mill

In the Introduction to the program, Harriet Pearson talked about the building preservation work that was recently completed on the Opera House, and upcoming events. Yocenia Deal, VP of the Shepherdstown Museum talked about the partnership with the SBPA, a new Battle artifacts display at the Museum, and upcoming Museum events.

Then we were off for over an hour all about the Mill, Boteler family and the Battle of Shepherdstown! I discussed efforts to preserve the ruins of this historic site for a future Riverside Park.

Thanks to Sally Rockey for the great job designing and assembling the slides about the Mill history, and for donating stickers and pamphlets about the Mill. We also thank our Donors and Supporters. You are why the SBPA can do these projects to bring our past into the future.

Mowing

In preparation for the Battle Anniversary activities, the SBPA arranged mowing of the parking area in the Riverside Park area of the Cement Mill. The JCHLC paid $800. Thank you!

Antietam Institute Leadership Conference visits the Battlefield

On Thursday, September 10, the Antietam Institute hosted a Leadership Conference that analyzed the Shepherdstown Battlefield to inform a group of Michigan National Guard members. What a great way to use the battlefield.

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The Executive Director, Chris Vincent sent us a nice thank you note:

Mike,

Thanks again for allowing us to use the battlefield last week for our Leadership Seminar. It was a great couple of days and being at the ford area capped it off for these Michigan National Guard members. The were able to bring a reproduction of the 4^th Michigan colors so standing at the Ford had a little extra meaning.  Next year we may try to do a crossing! Here are a couple of photos.  Have a good weekend.

Regards,

Chris Vincent
Executive Director
301-432-5079
Antietam Institute
PO Box 33
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
antietaminstitute.org

Battlefield Tour for Shepherd University Students

On Thursday, September 17, 2026 about 30 Shepherd University students toured the battlefield as part of a Battlefield Preservation class taught by Dr. Jen Murray, Director of the Civil War Center.

Dr. Mike Nickerson hosted 30 students for an hour+ tour: 30 minutes of presentation about the Cement Mill, Packhorse Ford, 1732 Wagon Road, and the Battle of Shepherdstown at the Mill parking area. Then we then caravaned to the Osbourn Farm where we viewed Civil War soldier graffiti, an artillery shell embedded in the wall of the Osbourn Farm, and took photos of one student who is a Confederate re-enactor.

The wonderful photos were taken by James S. Osbourn, namesake of the James Osbourn who created the corn crib graffiti, who was visiting and attended the student tour and Anniversary lecture.

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Hello Battlefield Supporters!

We are initiating a fund raising campaign to stabilize the Mill ruins! Please download our Cement Mill Pamphlet, produced to bring attention to this effort.

Preserving what’s left of this key part of Battlefield history is essential to begin creation of a Riverfront Battlefield Historic Park.

We look forward to seeing you at the SBPA Anniversary event on September 20 in Shepherdstown! Read this post for details.

The Potomac Mills Cement Mill in the Civil War
by Dr. Mike Nickerson, President, SBPA

Sunday, September 20 at 3:00 pm at the Opera House
131 West German Street. Doors open at 2:30 pm.

JOIN US TO HELP SAVE THE MILL RUINS!

Help us CEMENT the future of our past! A Piece of History is Crumbling…
and We Need Your Help.

Just downstream from Shepherdstown lies a hidden gem: the ruins of the Shepherdstown Cement Mill. First constructed in 1826 as Potomac Mills grist mill, this historic landmark began its groundbreaking cement operations in 1829. It wasn’t just any mill—it was the largest natural cement mill of its time, renowned for producing high quality ‘hydraulic’ cement. One initial contract was for 30,000 barrels of cement for the C&O Canal.

The Mill produced the cement that literally built our nation’s history through the construction of the Canal and landmark public structures in Washington, D.C. such as the Washington Monument. It was a central feature during the Battle of Shepherdstown where Union soldiers were shot by Confederates on the bluffs and killed in the kilns by friendly artillery fire from Maryland.

The talk will focus on the history of the site including Packhorse Ford, the 1732 Great Wagon Road, and the Mill – which operated until 1901! We have high resolution details about the Mill works, raceway, dam and warehouse that will be presented.

Click to download and save the flyer

Battle-Tempered:
The Physical and Psychological Consequences of War

Registration is FREE and REQUIRED.

Shepherd University Adjunct Professor Dr. Stephen A. Goldman
author of One More War To Fight

Saturday, August 29 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
at the Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor’s Center
5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704

The schedule below applies to Friday August 7, Saturday August 8, and Sunday August 9. We hope to see you at the park.

ALL DAY

9:00 am – 5:00 pm Visit multiple stations on Civil War Medicine manned by our living history volunteers. Each station will discuss a different aspect of Civil War medicine. The touch table will be open during this time with items that visitors can pick up, touch, and learn about. 

SPECIAL DAILY PRESENTATIONS EACH DAY 

10:30 – 11:00 am Medical Demonstration – This is a demonstration of one of five typical operations performed by surgeons on the evening of September 17, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam. See the Surgeon’s medical techniques prior to the age of Germ Theory. 

12:00 – 12:15 pm Checking the New Recruits – Medical inspection of the new soldiers. We will use the early war three station method to check “potential soldiers” for their ability to “pass” the recruitment standards in this interactive program. 

1:15 – 1:45 pm Medical Demonstration – see info for 10:30 – 11:00 am

3:00 – 3:30 pm What Killed You? – What killed most soldiers during the war? Become a soldier and find out what “killed” you in this interactive program.

Published in the TRI-STATE ALERT on Thursday, July 30, 2026 by Anthony Panasiewicz

BERKELEY COUNTY- Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice are partnering with their Virginia counterparts in an effort to increase a major historical boundary that could benefit sites in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.

Senators Capito and Justice joined with Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner in introducing the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026, landmark legislation that adds three West Virginia counties and one Virginia county to the District.

“I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to expand the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. The battlefield provides an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the formation of West Virginia and the important role our state holds in the foundation of our nation.

By expanding the boundaries, we are able to enhance the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District partnership model, helping provide necessary resources and funding to preserve and improve this historic site for future generations,” Senator Capito said.

In 1996, Congress designated eight counties in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley as the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, recognizing the region’s nationally significant Civil War battlefields and associated historic sites. Currently, the district runs from Waynesboro to Winchester through the valley and includes the;

• Port Republic Battlefield
• Third Winchester Battlefield
• Fisher’s Hill Battlefield
• New Market Battlefield
• Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum, and
• New Market Battlefield Visitor’s Center and Museum

Over nearly three decades, the Foundation has protected more than 8,000 acres of battlefield land while supporting the development of visitor centers, museums, educational programs, and interpretive resources that make the Valley’s rich Civil War history accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Recently, Berkeley County held a park dedication to honor the dead and those who fought in the Battle of Hoke’s Run with the creation of the facilities off the current WV-901 in Falling Waters.

“This is a big day for West Virginia. This bill would add critical Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties saw some of the first actions of the conflict and suffered through all four years of the war—from Harpers Ferry and the Battle of Hokes Run to the Gettysburg Campaign and the battles of 1864, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle played a significant role. West Virginia was born in the fire of the Civil War. Our people lived it, fought in it, and were shaped by it in ways no other state can claim. Expanding this District is about recognizing that unique role and making sure West Virginia’s chapter of the story is preserved and told for generations to come. West Virginia’s Civil War history is not a footnote,” Senator Justice said.

“It is central to who we are as a state. This bill makes sure that history gets the recognition and the resources it deserves, and it does it with both of our states working side by side. That’s the way it ought to be.”

SBPA Statement: Lincoln’s visit directly impacted history as his stated reason for dismissing George McClellan on November 7 was the failure to pursue the Confederate Army after Antietam, i.e. at Packhorse Ford near Shepherdstown.  

Join us on Sunday, April 18, 2027, for a unique opportunity to learn more about President Abraham Lincoln’s visit to our region in the Fall of 1862 and his relationship with Major General George B. McClellan during the Antietam Campaign.

Our day will begin with a bus tour led by Dennis E. Frye, chief historian emeritus Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, that will explore sites associated with Lincoln’s October 1862 visit to Sharpsburg, Maryland.

Lunch at the Bavarian Inn (Shepherdstown, West Virginia) is included in the ticket price.

Our day will conclude with a presentation by Dr. Kenneth W. Noe, Draughon Professor of Southern History Emeritus, Auburn University, titled “Lincoln at Antietam.” Dr. Noe is the author or editor of nine books, including the recently published Abraham Lincoln and the Heroic Legend (LSU Press, 2006).

This event (9:00 AM until 4:00 PM) will cost $120 per person. Registration will be limited to one coach bus. Additional information on purchasing tickets will be shared later this summer.

Revenue generated from the Civil War Center’s ticketed events supports future programming and Shepherd student initiatives.

For information about “In Lincoln’s Footsteps” and other Civil War Center events at Shepherd University, please follow our website at: https://www.shepherd.edu/civilwar