History Comes Alive at Cedar Creek!
Join us for year-round events, hands-on history, and outdoor adventures!
We strive to offer our community and visitors a unique collection of experiences, including guided tours, presentations, workshops, school and Scout programs, nature hikes, and much more!
The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation (CCBF) is an entirely private 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, and protection of lands, artifacts, and writings related to the October 19th, 1864, Battle of Cedar Creek. Our mission, to protect and preserve these lands from modern development due to their historical and cultural significance, creates educational and recreational resources for anyone who wishes to learn about our nation’s history or seeks a place to go for a break from busy urban life. CCBF manages a history museum, walking and hiking trails, and about 350 acres of battlefield landscape for our visitors and community to enjoy. We also offer living history programs, presentations, lectures, field trips, and Scout programs, where participants can learn about the Civil War, the history of the Shenandoah Valley, or explore our area’s natural resources. As an entirely private organization that does not accept State or Federal funding, we continue to operate and offer these programs by way of a combination of memberships, grants, corporate sponsorships, event proceeds, gift shop sales, partnerships, and generous donations from people just like you.
Entrance to our Museum and Visitor Center and the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is free.
Experience History with Us...
…right here in Middletown, Virginia, where you can learn about the Battle of Cedar Creek, the American Civil War, settlement of the Shenandoah Valley, local history, and more, all while on the actual historic battlefield!
A newly redesigned and expanded museum featuring artifacts from the American Civil War, mid-19th century Shenandoah Valley, Digital Media Center, Research Library, and Conference Area. The Visitor Center offers a welcome desk to help you explore the site, book selections, a shop featuring souvenirs, locally made artisan crafts, reproduction 19th century items, and a picturesque overlook of historic Belle Grove Plantation, the battlefield, and mountain sunset.
In the days before the Battle of Cedar Creek, the 19th Corps dug a series of earthworks to fortify the Federal position located just south of Middletown, Virginia. Over 150 years later, the 19th Corps earthworks still snake throughout the tree line along the Cedar Creek. Hiking trails with interpretive markers now follow along these earthworks for visitors to explore, but please stay on the trail!
The Heater House, a log structure built in 1762, has witnessed hundreds of years of Shenandoah Valley history including the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864. The house is the only surviving structure of this homestead, which stands against a background of fantastic mountain views. Though it is typically closed to the public, during special weekend events, this home is open for visitors to see restoration progress, talk to living history interpreters, and take part in tours to hear its incredible story.
History comes to life during our three day reenactment! Annually on the third weekend of October, over a thousand reenactors recreate the last major battle in the Shenandoah Valley. See cavalry, artillery, and infantry soldiers in action and in camp. Battle scenarios, music, symposia, and medical, military, and civilian demonstrations are scheduled each day. Other special weekend long living history events are planned throughout the year to share in depth stories of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley.
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The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation
is a Managing Partner of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park with
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