CWPT Faces April 30 Deadline for Harpers Ferry Funds
By Deborah Fitts
April 2005

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. - A flurry of land-buying opportunities is following in the wake of last fall's boundary expansion at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and the Civil War Preservation Trust is doing its part.

The Trust has until April 30 to raise $300,000 as its share of a $1.5 million purchase of 38 acres on Schoolhouse Ridge. The Trust holds an option on the property, the Perry Orchard Tract, which fronts Route 340 on the south side of the highway.

Thanks to the efforts of U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), $1.2 million of the total will be provided in federal funding, leaving $300,000 for the Trust to come up with. The federal money will go directly to the park, which will make the purchase. The tract is within the new park boundary.

Trust spokesman Jim Campi said an anonymous donor has offered to put in $100,000 if the Trust can raise the other $200,000. With the federal money and the anonymous donor's combined, he said. "For every dollar we get, we can match that with $7.50."

Donors are offered a variety of giving levels. A total of $5,264 will get the donor a ceremonial acre of the property, while a quarter-acre goes for $1,316. A donation of $48 will acquire 400 square feet, and $24 will buy 200 square feet. Donors giving $24 or more will receive a T-shirt emblazoned, "I helped save Harpers Ferry."

Campi said the Trust, the park and the Trust for Public Land are working together to acquire an additional 153 acres on both sides of the highway. The Trust has already bought 233 acres of Schoolhouse Ridge on the north side of 340.

Campi hailed Byrd's swift action in obtaining the appropriation for the park so that the 38-acre purchase could go ahead. "He certainly deserves praise for that."

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