u/AmericanBattlefields

As we mark the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Hanging Rock, one of the few Patriot victories of the summer of 1780, we get to celebrate another victory. Thanks to the support of our members, the Trust has just saved 160 acres of hallowed ground at Hanging Rock!

This precious battlefield sits not far from the rapidly expanding metropolitan area in Charlotte, N.C., which is why the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Hanging Rock Battlefield one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in America earlier this year.

These acres of hallowed ground were at risk of being lost to development forever. Instead, generations to come will be able to visit Hanging Rock and learn the crucial role this battle played in our fight for independence.

Have you seen a lot of singing and dancing Founding Fathers lately? Like, more than normal? No, we don’t mean Alexander Hamilton (no offense, Lin Manuel, we love you!). We’re talking about the O.G. Founding Fathers Musical—1776. If you haven’t seen the stage play or the cinematic adaptation, we courteous-LEE request that you fix this oversight. Immediate-LEE. It’s the semiquincentennial after all, and the events depicted in the musical unfolded exactly 250 years ago.

Laura Ingalls Wilder is often considered one of America’s most beloved authors, renowned for documenting the American frontier through her Little House book series. Her writings can be considered some of the best fictional works exemplifying the post–Civil War period of the United States in history. Learn more about her life.

This witness tree — on battlefield land that Trust donors helped save — is easily older than the Declaration of Independence. According to the expert arborist who examined it, this tree sprouted before George Washington, John Adams and Ben Franklin were born!

This witness to history has survived some of the most powerful hurricanes to ever hit our country, it has been struck by lightning, its branches have been wrapped in steel cables to support their weight, which now, after many years, have sliced deeply into its bark, and now endanger its life.

Witness trees are those flora of historic landscapes that remain in place decades or even centuries after noteworthy events unfolded there. Often the trees were young when the event took place, and have now grown to be massive, silent sentinels of history.

These trees often evoke strong emotions when we see them, knowing they were present during some of our nation's most harrowing times. Each comes with its own unique history worth saving.

The land remembers. And so does the American Battlefield Trust — dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds.

Now, on our nation’s 250th birthday, become a member so the next acre becomes the next chapter. The next chapter becomes the next lesson. #America250

The land remembers. And so does the American Battlefield Trust — dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds.

Now, on our nation’s 250th birthday, become a member so the next acre becomes the next chapter. The next chapter becomes the next lesson. #America250

This summer, we're celebrating the World Cup and America's semiquincentennial. That means we're exploring American history in and around U.S. host cities.

We'll take any excuse to explore the hallowed ground and historic figures that shaped our nation. 

Wherever you're watching the World Cup, the Trust is ready to help you kick off an unforgettable journey through the battlefields and historic sites that shaped American independence. No offsides here, just Revolutionary stories waiting to be explored. 

Learn more about this important legislation.

Learn more about the history and origins of Memorial Day.

These victories can only happen with the support of our members and partners.

⭐ Bentonville Battlefield in Bentonville, NC | 193 Acres Saved

⭐ Boydton Plank Road Battlefield in Boydton, VA | 12 Acres Saved

⭐ Brown’s Ferry at Chattanooga Battlefield in Chattanooga, TN | 31 Acres Saved

⭐ Gettysburg Battlefield in Gettysburg, PA | 19 Acres Saved

⭐ Seven Pines Battlefield in Henrico County, VA | 12 Acres Saved

Learn more about this land.

Just $250,000 remains to fully restore Princeton Battlefield to its 1777 appearance — in time for the 250th anniversary of American independence and the battle itself.

Thanks to steadfast supporters, 89% of the funding has already been secured toward a $2.2 million effort to transform this land into a fully realized historic park.

Restoration at Princeton will reestablish historic features — orchards, fence lines, roads and fields — allowing visitors to experience the battlefield as it was on that pivotal winter morning in 1777. 

Those who make a gift of $77 or more will receive an updated edition of Battle Maps of the American Revolution, filled with detailed maps, troop movements and new historical insights created for America’s 250th anniversary. And for those who contribute $250 or more, a truly special honor awaits — your name will be included on a permanent recognition marker at Princeton Battlefield, commemorating your role in restoring this historic ground.

Learn more at battlefields.org.

What happens when the capital falls—but the fight is far from over?

In this episode of the Boom Goes the History podcast series, co-host Kris White is joined by historian Dan Davis and producer Andy Poulton to dive into the dramatic Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. From the shock of losing the American capital to the hard lessons learned on the road to Valley Forge, the crew unpacks how setbacks helped shape the Revolution’s resilience. It's one of the most trying chapters in George Washington's storied career.

It’s a fast-paced, fun, and insightful look at a pivotal moment—and a reminder that even in defeat, the story was far from finished.

With more than 400 crucial acres preserved at Petersburg, the American Battlefield Trust surpasses 61,000 acres saved nationwide. Last year, the American Battlefield Trust embarked on one of the largest preservation projects in our nearly 40-year history. More than 400 acres at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier have been enjoyed and appreciated by heritage tourists and countless school students for decades... but were not fully protected for future generations. Until now.