Davis Tract Fundraiser

Sudley Mountain / Stony Ridge Civic Association

Dear Neighbors and Friends of the Manassas National Battlefield,

As you may know, the members of our Civic Association recently teamed with the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) to secure a vital piece of historic property for perpetual preservation. These 136 acres, which are at the heart of the battle of Second Manassas, are now protected and will soon become a part of the Manassas National Battlefield Park (MNBP). I am now working with the CWPT, the Superintendent of the MNBP, and our Congressional Representative to expedite this process.

The action of our association to spearhead this project has been widely hailed in the press as a unique model for the protection of historic property. It was accomplished faster and with more private contributions than the CWPT has ever seen before. Dr. Robert Sutton, the Superintendent of the Park, also noted that he has never heard of any other preservation project as remarkable as this one.

But the job is not finished! An extraordinary effort by local citizens raised over $90,000 in donations to go toward the purchase of the property, yet an additional $77,000 was needed to fulfill our commitment to the fund raising. This amount was put up by members of our Civic Association and loaned to the CWPT. It is time to repay the trusting souls who took this risk. We have already retired $60,000 of the loan amount, but we still need $17,000 in contributions from others who support the special purpose of these hallowed places.

To recognize the significance of this project, Dr. Sutton has aplaced a plaque on display in the Visitors Center at the battlefield. On that special brass plaque will be listed the names of those individuals who made and who will make a significant monetary contribution to this specific project. This is a unique opportunity for those who wish to be known as actual supporters of such a timeless, historic landmark: Dr. Sutton noted that it is very rare for a national park to display such a plaque.

We are now seeking 11 contributors who are able to donate $1500 to this extraordinary project. After those contributions are received, this heroic effort will be closed: a new brass plaque will be inscribed that will include all qualifying donors. Your support for our common heritage will be prominently displayed within the Visitors Center, as shown by the documents enclosed. What is more, your contribution is tax-deductible!

To be recognized as one who believes that our national heritage is worth protecting for our grandchildren's children, please see the enclosed instructions.

Thank you,

John C. Hermansen, President

Donation instructions and form (PDF file)