Our 5-Year Strategic Plan
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:
- 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. - 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 - 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. - 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. - 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.
May 2017
The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association Inc. (SBPA) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to preserving the site of the Civil War battle at Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
The battle fought here on September 19 and 20, 1862, brought to an end the Army of Northern Virginia’s Maryland Campaign and was a significant factor in General Robert E. Lee’s decision to retreat farther into the Shenandoah Valley.
The battle is of significant historical value to our nation and a valuable West Virginia Landmark.
Core SBPA principles that guide membership activities and programs:
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- Recruit volunteers to assist in the management and / or improvement of battlefield properties including the riverside park, Cement Mill and Faraway Farm.
- Promote education about and knowledge of the battle through tours, activities, and other programs.
- Insure the opinions and concerns of local community members and neighbors of the battlefield are represented in discussions about management of the battlefield properties.
- Recruit volunteers to assist in the management and / or improvement of battlefield properties including the riverside park, Cement Mill and Faraway Farm.
