More than 2,700 battlefield acres saved
in 2013 by Civil War Trust organization

In a year when Americans commemorated the 150th anniversary of some of the most momentous battles of the Civil War, the Civil War Trust reports it continued its crusade to preserve the nation’s most significant hallowed ground.

Trust officials noted that the generosity of its nearly 200,000 members and supporters, coupled with its strategic partnerships with government officials and nonprofit groups throughout the nation, resulted in protection of more than 2,700 acres of battlefield land in 2013. This brings the total acreage saved by the organization to 38,500 acres at 122 historic sites in 20 states.

“Without a doubt, 2013 will long be remembered as one of the most exciting years in the history of battlefield preservation,” Trust president James Lighthizer said. “Thanks to the steadfast dedication of our members, friends and partners, we have protected 2,700 acres of the most hallowed ground in America. It is a proud legacy of the Civil War sesquicentennial commemoration that will be enjoyed for many generations to come.”

The Trust, working in cooperation with willing landowners and preservation partners, completed 47 transactions at 30 individual battlefields in 10 states. Included were battlefields at Perryville and Mill Springs.

During 2013, the Trust received a variety of awards and recognitions for its work.

In July, its membership magazine, Hallowed Ground, again earned top honors for outstanding quality through the APEX Awards for Publication Excellence – its fifth-consecutive Grand Award. The organization also continued to earn accolades for its sound fiscal management and commitment to top-notch donor relations, receiving a prestigious Top-Rated Award by Great Nonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations.

In addition, Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator, awarded the Trust its fifth-consecutive 4-star rating, an honor bestowed on only four percent of charities assessed by the organization.

The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve the nation’s endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of those hallowed grounds.