Associated Press Published

Conservation Groups Partner to Preserve Harpers Ferry Land

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Two conservation groups are joining forces to preserve battlefield land at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
 

The Civil War Trust and the National Parks Conservation Association said the public-private partnership will protect nearly four acres at the site.
 
     Officials say the land played a significant role in in the September 1862 Battle of Harpers Ferry, which resulted in the largest surrender of Union troops during the Civil War.
 
     The purchase was financed by federal funds, a major gift from an anonymous donor and a number of smaller private donations.
 
     The Bank of Charles Town also agreed to sell much of the land to the Civil War Trust for eventual transfer to the National Park Service.
 
     More than 250,000 visitors travel to Harpers Ferry annually.