Cool Spring Battlefield facts for kids
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Cool Spring Battlefield
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Ferry House at Shenandoah River, April 2013
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 Location in Northern Virginia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct of Shenandoah R. and VA 643, near Berryville, Virginia |
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| Area | 4,064 acres (1,645 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000492 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 6, 1997 |
The Cool Spring Battlefield is a special place in Virginia. It's where an important battle happened during the American Civil War. This area is also a "historic district." This means it's a protected place because of its history.
You can find Cool Spring Battlefield near Berryville in Clarke County, Virginia. The battlefield covers a large area. It includes 17 old buildings, 26 important sites, and 11 structures. These all helped shape the battle.
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What is Cool Spring Battlefield?
Cool Spring Battlefield is more than just a battle site. It shows how the land looked during the war. The rivers and hills played a big part in the fighting. This area also has old farms and transportation routes. There were even mining and industrial centers here. These were all part of a busy community. The war changed everything for these places.
The Battle of Cool Spring
The main event here was the Battle of Cool Spring. This battle took place from July 16 to July 20, 1864. It was a key moment in the Civil War. The fighting happened over several days. Soldiers fought across the land and near the Shenandoah River. The battle was a complex series of movements. It showed how important the landscape was to military plans.
Historic Buildings and Sites
Many old buildings and sites are part of the battlefield. They tell stories of the past. For example, the Wickliffe Church is also in this area. It is listed separately as another important historic site. These places help us understand what life was like during the Civil War.
Protecting History
Cool Spring Battlefield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This happened in 1997. Being on this list helps protect the site. It means the area is recognized as important to American history.
In 2014, some changes were made to the protected area. An old building from the 1880s was removed. Also, an archaeological site that wasn't related to the Civil War was taken off the list. This helps make sure the focus stays on the Civil War history.
Who Helps Protect the Battlefield?
Many groups work to protect this important land. The Civil War Trust is one of them. It is now part of the American Battlefield Trust. They and their partners have saved a lot of the battlefield. They have protected about 1,226 acres of land. This helps keep the history alive for future generations.
Since 2013, Shenandoah University has also helped. They protect the preserved land. About 195 acres of the battlefield are now part of the university. It's called the Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield. This area is used as an outdoor classroom. Students and the public can learn about history and nature there.
