Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park facts for kids
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Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
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Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park including the Belle Grove manor house
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren counties, Virginia, USA |
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| Nearest city | Middletown, Virginia |
| Area | 3,712 acres (1,502 ha) |
| Built | 1797 |
| Architect | Hite, Isaac |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Website | Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000243 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1969 |
| Designated NHLD | August 11, 1969 |
| Designated NHP | December 19, 2002 |
The Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is a special place in Virginia, United States. It became part of the United States National Park Service on December 19, 2002. This park was created to protect important historical sites in the Shenandoah Valley.
These sites include the battlefield where the American Civil War Battle of Cedar Creek took place. It also protects the historic Belle Grove Plantation. The park helps us remember and learn about these important parts of history.
Contents
Exploring the Park
The park covers a large area, about 3,700 acres. However, more than half of this land is still privately owned. This means not all parts of the battlefield are open to everyone.
Visiting the Battlefield
You can explore the battlefield through tours. The park offers tours led by park rangers. You can also take self-guided driving tours using public roads. These tours help visitors see key parts of the historic area.
Park Partners and Programs
Many parts of the park, including about 1,500 acres and several buildings, are cared for by partner organizations. These partners were protecting the sites even before the national park was created. Since 2010, park rangers have offered educational programs at these partner sites. These include the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation headquarters, Belle Grove Plantation, and Hupp's Hill Civil War Park.
Protecting the Land
Many groups work together to save more of the battlefield land. The American Battlefield Trust and its partners have helped protect 727 acres of the battlefield. Some of this land has become part of the National Park Service.
New Additions and Visitor Center
In 2012, the park gained land with a monument to the 8th Vermont Infantry. The park now offers special programs at this site. In March 2013, a Visitor Contact Station opened in Middletown, Virginia. This center has exhibits and information to help you plan your visit.
Special Historical Status
The Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove area is very important. It is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. A 900-acre part of "Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove" is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These titles mean the site is nationally important for its history.
The Belle Grove Plantation House
The main house at Belle Grove Plantation was built in 1797. This historic plantation house is open to the public. It is managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The park is located across Frederick County and Warren County.
Images for kids
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Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park including the Belle Grove manor house
