An official website of the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the approval of two grants to the American Battlefield Trust through the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program (VDB Program), supporting the permanent protection of Georgia’s historic battlefield lands.
The grants will support the preservation efforts of two parcels of land totaling more than 300 acres at Resaca Battlefield in Gordon and Whitfield counties, helping protect this historically significant site. The grants total $945,000 and will be supplemented by an estimated $980,000 in matching funds, bringing the total investment in battlefield preservation to approximately $1.9 million.
American Battlefield Trust - Resaca Defenses - $634,000
The American Battlefield Trust will acquire and permanently conserve approximately 273 acres in Gordon and Whitfield Counties at the Resaca Battlefield, the site of a major Civil War engagement in May 1864. The Civil War Sites Advisory Commission designated the Resaca Battlefield as Preservation Priority II.3 (Class C). The property contains battlefield terrain and defensive earthworks associated with the Battle of Resaca. Primarily forested, the property includes approximately 3,200 feet of frontage along Camp Creek, a perennial stream within the Coosa River Basin. Acquisition and permanent protection through a conservation easement will preserve the historic landscape and natural resources, connect previously protected battlefield lands, and provide potential opportunities for future public access.
American Battlefield Trust - Resaca Ongoing Defenses - $311,475
The American Battlefield Trust will acquire and permanently protect approximately 30 acres in Gordon County at the Resaca Battlefield, the site of a major Civil War engagement in May 1864. The Civil War Sites Advisory Commission designated the battlefield as Preservation Priority II.3 (Class C). The property includes wooded areas and an intermittent stream. Acquisition and permanent protection through a conservation easement will preserve the historic landscape, strengthen connections between existing protected battlefield lands, and provide potential opportunities for future public access.
###
ABOUT THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The mission of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to sustain, enhance, protect, and conserve Georgia's natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices. For more information, please visit www.gadnr.org.
ABOUT THE VINCE DOOLEY BATTLEFIELD TRUST FUND PROGRAM
Established under Georgia law in 2025 and administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program provides matching grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and state agencies for the acquisition or permanent protection of qualifying battlefield properties across Georgia. Eligible sites include battlefields identified in national historic preservation reports by the National Park Service and the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission. For more information about the VDB Program, visit www.gadnr.org/vdbprogram.
For media inquiries, contact Haley Chafin, Manager of External Affairs, at (470) 303-0719; haley.chafin@dnr.ga.gov or visit GADNR.org.
