LTV and SVBF Partner to Protect Pivotal Civil War Battlefield

141 Acres of Historic Battlefield Permanently Protected in Frederick County, Virginia

A sketch depicting the fighting on the property during the Second Battle of Winchester on June 15, 1863.

MIDDLEBURG, VA, June 2, 2025 – The Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) are proud to announce the permanent protection of 141.6 acres in Frederick County, Virginia.  Known as the McCann property, this land sits at the heart of three major Civil War battlefields and is now protected through a conservation easement donated by SVBF.

The McCann property lies entirely within the core battle areas of the Second and Third Battles of Winchester and the Battle of Rutherford’s Farm. “The preservation of this site is not just a win for land conservation—it’s a win for American history,” said Keven Walker, Chief Executive Officer of SVBF. “Some of the fiercest fighting of the 1863 and 1864 campaigns took place across these fields. Preserving this land means honoring the stories, the soldiers, and the legacy of the Shenandoah Valley.”

In addition to its historic value, the McCann property offers significant scenic and environmental benefits. Located just 2.5 miles northeast of Winchester, the land fronts on U.S. Route 11 and State Route 761, as well as the CSX Railroad. It contains open fields, a perennial stream known as Hiatt Run, a pond, and a mix of prime farmland and successional forest habitat—features that contribute to the region’s rural character and ecological health.

“This easement ensures that a highly visible and historically rich area of the Valley will remain undeveloped,” said Ashton Cole, Executive Director of LTV. “It represents a very meaningful blend of natural and cultural preservation.”

Currently used for hay production and battlefield interpretation, the McCann property is already open to the public for guided historical tours. The conservation easement will ensure that the property’s historic landscape will remain preserved for generations to come.

This easement was made possible with support from LTV’s Deborah Whittier Fitts Battlefield Stewardship Fund, which helps defray the costs associated with permanently protecting battlefields across Virginia.

“The successful protection of the McCann property is a powerful example of what can happen when mission-driven organizations work together,” added Cole. “We’re grateful to SVBF for their leadership in preserving significant portions of the hallowed ground that is so integral to our Nation’s history.”

The McCann Easement is the 271st conservation easement recorded by Land Trust of Virginia.  For more information about their work, visit www.landtrustva.org.

For more information about the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, visit https://www.shenandoahatwar.org.

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About Land Trust of Virginia

Land Trust of Virginia is a nonprofit organization that partners with private landowners who voluntarily protect and preserve properties with significant historic, scenic, or ecological value. LTV has conserved over 35,000 acres in 35 Counties across Virginia. While LTV charges landowners for its services, these fees cover only a portion of the actual cost, making donor support essential to its mission.

About Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation is the managing entity of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, which preserves and interprets Civil War battlefields and other related sites in Shenandoah Valley. It protects historic lands, shares the region's Civil War-era story, and promotes heritage tourism. Through partnerships and land conservation efforts, the Foundation has preserved over 7,500 acres of land, ensuring these hallowed grounds are protected and interpreted for future generations.