Press Release: March 02, 2026

News and Events, Press Release

Artillery Shell from the Battle of Shepherdstown Found to be Safe

The Battle of Shepherdstown (September 19-20,1862) brought some extra excitement to our area on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The Chief Detectorist Bryan Landacre of the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association (SBPA) was metal detecting in a field on the Osbourn Farm in Shepherdstown. The farm was purchased several years ago through the efforts of the SBPA, American Battlefield Trust, Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, and the State of West Virginia as it is located in the core battlefield area that was defined by the National Parks Service Special Resources Study in 2014.

Less than 10 minutes into his exploration, the metal-detector sounded a strong hit, indicating a substantial piece of solid metal. There, at a depth of 8-10 inches, Landacre found what appeared to be an unexploded artillery shell, heavily encrusted with rust and dirt. He estimated the shell to be about 8” long, 3” in diameter, and weighing approximately 10 lbs. He immediately sent text messages to SBPA President Dr. Mike Nickerson and SPBA Board member Dr. Sam Stribling about the discovery and “Look what I just found! An artillery shell!”. Not knowing whether it was a live shell, Nickerson notified several SBPA members for advice on how to proceed, notably historians Dr. Tom Clemens and Kevin Pawlak, who suggested contacting the Jefferson County Police. Within the hour the historic property was inundated by seven Sheriff vehicles and a long-ladder fire truck. The officers ensured everyone was safe, isolated the relic and contacted the WV State Police Explosives Response Team. After discussion with Dr. Nickerson, it was scheduled that a State Explosives Expert would perform a detailed examination of the artifact the next morning to determine whether it was a potentially live round and whether it posed any danger.

The next morning, Sunday, March 1, he concluded the shell was a solid shot, having no cavity and/or explosive material. Further investigation revealed it was a Union 10 pound Parrot gun shell, likely fired from a Union artillery battery on the Maryland ridge above the C&O Canal.

This important find is part of an ongoing effort to preserve the history and understanding of the Battle of Shepherdstown by studying artifacts from the battlefield area, including properties now owned by the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, under farmland preservation easement by the WV Farmland Protection Board, preserved from development by the Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle, and through the support of local private landowners. An artifacts collection and database have been created and are a dynamic and growing project, currently holding over 100 items ranging from bullets, artillery fragments, pocketknives, buckles, buttons, horseshoes, and various pieces of farm equipment. These have corresponding locational coordinates. Selected artifacts from this collection will go on display in April 2026 at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum in the Entler Hotel. To learn more about SPBA, visit https://shepherdstownbattlefield.org.

Donations from Battlefield Supporters make these efforts possible. Plans for 2026 include expanding visitor access to the Battlefield Park areas by improving parking, creating walking trails, and through the installation of wayside exhibits. Thank you to all our supporters!

Download a copy of the Press Release

Witness Tree

News and Events

The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association working in the core of the Battle of Shepherdstown has confirmed a first Witness Tree.

This important discovery occurred years ago and a Battlefield supporter recently came forward with key evidence to support the claim. The impressively large maple tree is named after the individual who discovered a Union bullet lodged within the trunk of the tree, the Wootton Witness Tree.

It’s now included in Battlefield tours and activities.

This is incredible and unique support for the Battle of Shepherdstown: a Witness Tree that experienced heavy Union artillery shelling and fierce fighting on September 19 and 20, 1862. This decisive Confederate victory (Ambrose P. Hill) was the final battle in the 1862 Maryland Campaign. After which, Robert E. Lee conferred with his Generals in camp from September 22-25 and decided not to re-cross the Potomac River at Williamsport. Instead they disbursed to winter quarters.

The next conflict occurred almost a month later, on October 16 when Union Calvary and troops again crossed the Potomac River at Packhorse Ford to occupy Shepherdstown. Shortly thereafter, President Lincoln cited General McClellan’s inaction after Antietam as a primary cause of his dismissal on November 8. In fact, the Union Army built Fort Duncan just downstream, to further protect Harper’s Ferry and the C&O Canal. The fort overlooks a Canal boat loading lock, the 1799 Dam 3, and a Canal boat loading station and warehouse across the river. Google maps has the location!

As always, these efforts are made possible thru generous donations from Battlefield Supporters! It’s ‘History worth learning!’

Mike Nickerson
President
Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association
304-995-6975
sbpa1862@gmail.com

A witness tree on Stuart’s Hill loop trail in Manassas National Battlefield Park Flickr user ManassasNPS

Learn more about Witness Trees from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/these-five-witness-trees-were-present-at-key-moments-in-americas-history-180963925

Last-minute Gift Idea!

News and Events

Purchase a Membership in the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association as a unique gift lasting year round and possibly longer! Intrigue the history buff in the family with an introduction to ‘The Lost Battle’ and discover fascinating stories from right here in WV.

Donations can be made through PayPal on our website at Become A Member, or mailed to the SBPA at P.O. Box 1695, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

Thank you in advance for your support in 2026!  The SBPA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible.

Our 5-Year Strategic Plan

News and Events

Hello Battlefield Supporters,

Hope you are having wonderful holidays and are looking forward to a very Merry Christmas.  The SBPA has a lot to be proud of this year.  We had record attendance at the events we hosted on September 20, including the Potomac River Crossing at Packhorse Ford led by Kevin Pawlak and the Hike up the Bluffs led by Dr. Tom McGrath.  We had many volunteers who went above and beyond during the Park Day Cleanup in April and the Battlefield Cleanup in September in preparation for the September 20 activities.  As a result the Cement Mill, Riverside Park and the Osbourn Farm have never been in better shape.  Photos of the tours, volunteers and cleanup are posted on the SBPA website and our Facebook page if you haven’t seen them.  However significant challenges remain.

In close collaboration with our partners and far-sighted, generous local landowners, we now have preserved 1,066 acres of core battlefield land in WV.   Approximately an equal amount is preserved in Maryland.  Thus, in our preservation efforts we have succeeded far beyond our modest expectations, and many professionals in land preservation have remarked how great a job we’ve done thus far.  As a holiday bonus, I will let leak that we are in active negotiations for almost 100 additional acres that may be preserved in 2026.  This is amazing and an incredible job well done by SBPA members, donors and Shepherdstown Battlefield supporters.

However, we have done very little to improve the battlefield to increase visitor access, provide educational signage and wayside exhibits, and improve safety around structures such as the Cement Mill and the Osbourn Farm Corn Crib.  These are challenges that the Board of Directors has discussed in detail and which we look forward to addressing with continued support from our members.  Towards that end, we have recently unanimously approved a new 5 year Strategic Plan that is presented below.  We hope our members and donors are as excited about these plans as we are.  For sure, these efforts will provide tangible, visible results of over 20 years of preservation work that has yet to be fully appreciated by many visitors to the battlefield.  

After reviewing the new Strategic Plan, please consider renewing your SBPA membership.  Please let friends and family know of these crucial efforts to bring ‘The Lost Battle‘ to public awareness and enjoyment.  Your donations matter now more than ever!  This is clearly ‘History worth learning.’

Donations can be made thru PayPal on the SBPA website or mailed to the SBPA at P.O. Box 1695.  Shepherdstown, WV 25443.  Thank you in advance for your support in 2026!  The SBPA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible.

Best regards and Happy Holidays,

Mike Nickerson
President
Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association
sbpa1862@gmail.com     

Strategic Plan for the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association

2026 – 2031

Mission Statement:  The primary mission of the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association at this point in our organization history is to help facilitate the preservation and protection the Shepherdstown Battlefield to ensure the acquired historic properties are established under the protection, ownership, and management of the National Park Service (NPS) or some other appropriate entity committed to the historic preservation and care of the properties.
 
To that end we shall focus our immediate efforts and actions on the following strategic goals:
 
1. Continue our advocacy efforts.  Persuade our partners, our elected officials, and the
National Park Service towards our ultimate goal of National Park Service ownership,
protection, and management of the Shepherdstown Battlefield, while remaining open
to considering other governmental organizations or private entities that might fulfill
that same administrative role.
 
2. Assist in the maintenance and stabilization of the Battlefield properties and historic
structures with our partners.  We should be active in preserving the battlefield lands
and historic structures now held.  Many of the historic resources are being vandalized
and crumbling before our eyes.  Properties that don’t look well cared for are often
vandalized and littered, but well cared for sites are less likely to be harmed.  The more
stabilization and restoration of historic structures that we and our partners can
accomplish will make the Battlefield more attractive for the NPS or another entity to take 
ownership, knowing it will be less costly for them to take over.
 
3. Establish Park Identity.  Many motorists drive through the Battlefield and are not aware that
they are even in a battlefield park; they just see old ruins.  To address this, we should create
a few strategically located identity signs.  These would include placing entrance identity
signs at Battlefield main entry points so motorists know when they are entering and
exiting the battlefield along River and Trough Roads.  In addition, we need site identity
signs for the Osbourn Farm, the Cement Mill, Packhorse Ford, and perhaps other locations.
We need boundary marking signs identifying the lands owned and protected by
Jefferson County.  It would be good to have a few signs, like at the Cement Mill, that
say “Closed After Dark.”  We also need some attractive fencing that gives that “cared for
look” and creates a sense of entry and protection.  The current fencing along River Road
is unattractive and out of character for the historic site.  It is recommended that we replace it
with a wood split rail fence and create an entry fence at the Cement Mill with the same.
 
4. Battlefield Access and Wayfinding.  Help create established and safe parking spaces,
trailhead access, and battlefield trails with well-marked signage for ease in navigating
Battlefield property.  The more we can make the Battlefield accessible and used by the
public the better.  Once people become accustomed to using the property for Civil
War interests, bird watching, hiking, or walking the dog, they are going to want to
continue that use and help protect the site.
 
5. Interpretation and Education.  Efforts like the Battlefield Auto Tour and the updated
battlefield maps are great additions.  A few brochure dispensers located at strategic
Battlefield locations could help get these interpretive materials into more hands.
Strategically located Interpretive wayside exhibits will be created once identity and
wayfinding signs are in place.  Efforts should be made to create a new interpretive display
on the Battle of Shepherdstown for exhibition at the Historic Shepherdstown Museum
to promote awareness of the battle, following the Battle of Antietam, and to garner
support for the Shepherdstown Battlefield’s protection, preservation, and creation as a
National Battlefield Park.
 

April Conference, Martinsburg, WV

News and Events

The Battle of Shepherdstown is getting some great recognition in part due to our preservation efforts. Two of our Board members are speaking: Dr. Tom McGrath and Kevin Pawlak.

Please consider attending this insightful event!

Dr. Mike Nickerson
President
Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District’s 2026 National Civil War Conference will focus on the battles in West Virginia in the fall of 1862 including Harper’s Ferry, Shepherdstown, and the action in the Kanawha Valley.

The conference will include talks, special events, and battlefield tours, all featuring the finest historians in the nation, including Dennis Frye, Kevin Pawlak, Dana Shoaf, and more!

Visit the Conference web page for the schedule, cost, hotel, registration information, and booking form: 2026 National Conference — Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District

December Speaker

News and Events

On December 11/25 our Board member Dr. Tom McGrath is speaking in Hagerstown! Please consider attending to show your support for the battlefield.

Note dinner reservations are due by December 4 (sorry for the short notice).

Hope to see you there.

Dr. Mike Nickerson

Plaque Restored

News and Events

We got a plaque restored!  It’s back and looks great!  One more to go to cover this year’s losses.  Let’s keep an eye out in case the thieves show up again.

Elizabeth and I were just discussing this earlier today.

There is hope!  Happy holidays!

Mike

Dr Mike Nickerson, SBPA President