After the Battle of Antietam, soldiers crossed this portion of the Potomac River into Shepherdstown, where they then waged the Battle of Shepherdstown. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Earlier this month, the Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association (SBPA) gave an update on their successes and failures over the previous year, in preserving and promoting the location of Shepherdstown Battlefield along the Potomac River.

For SBPA President Mike Nickerson, one of the great losses to the nonprofit’s work was related to two housing developments being built in the area.

“Unfortunately, 18 acres of land in the battlefield core was lost in 2023. A new housing development is already well underway there, near the intersection of Trough and River Roads. A new road, Potomac Ridge Road, was cut into the beautiful hillside off Trough Road to provide access to multiple homes on the ridge above the river,” Nickerson said in his news release. “The location is now forever altered – adding urgency to the work of the SBPA. The development occupies the bluffs above the Potomac River that were the site of intense fighting between Union Divisions including the 1, 2, 6, 10 and 11 U.S. and Confederate Gregg and Thomas’ Brigades.”

Nickerson noted further “key battlefield ground lost forever to development” on a three-acre property on Trough Road, across from the Osbourn Farm driveway. Without consistent financial and local government support, Nickerson cautioned that further losses may occur, due to housing and business development along the River Road area.

“Notably, there are several current requests for zoning variances on Trough Road properties that may also impact the battlefield,” Nickerson said. “One request is a permit for a retirement home business on Deer Trail Lane in the Far View Farm development. The request is for up to 16 individuals to reside in several buildings planned for the property. This may have consequences for Trough Road vehicle traffic, and the property’s septic field drains directly into the Trough. A second request for a 15-acre property on Trough Road bordering the Osbourn Farm plans to establish a commercial dog kennel, with outdoor dog runs. This may impact the currently peaceful soundscape of the neighboring Osbourn Farm.”

A sign on the Shepherdstown Battlefield tells its history. Tabitha Johnston

Alongside these losses were several triumphs in favor of the SBPA, with the help of two West Virginia senators, Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin.

“$500,000 was obtained by the WV Farmland Protection Board and Senators Capito and Manchin, with funds from the National Parks Battlefield Protection Program, for a farmland preservation easement on a Trough Road farm,” Nickerson said. “The farm was Confederate General A.P. Hill’s encampment on September 18-20, 1862 during the Shepherdstown Battle. The property is a key piece of our preservation efforts. When the current round of multiple property deed transfers and easements are in place, our efforts with our partners will have resulted in the preservation of 914 acres, with 190 acres purchased outright.”

Last week, this amount of protected last was further expanded by the Jefferson County Commission (JCC), through its Farmland Protection Program.

“We have secured a farmland easement protecting 160 acres of Aspen Pool Farm, across from General Robert E. Lee’s retreat on Trough Road,” Nickerson said of the location, which is at the intersection of Trough and Engle Moler roads. “Great job, Jefferson County Farmland Protection Program!”

This action required an expenditure of $486,234, matched by the American Battlefield Protection, from the JCC.

A sign along River Road marks the location of the Shepherdstown Battlefield on Tuesday. Tabitha Johnston

“It’s a gift to this county,” said JCC President Jane Tabb of the expenditure.

Nickerson also credited the hard work of the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission for ensuring the SBPA’s success.

“The Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission has been doing a great job of holding the property deeds for, hopefully, eventual recognition as a new National Battlefield,” Nickerson said. “The Landmarks Commission and the Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle secured National Historic Registry status for the Osbourn Farm house, a singular achievement in itself!”

Those wanting to donate to or become involved with the SBPA are encouraged to visit https://shepherdstownbattlefield.org/.