MIDDLETOWN, VA – The Middletown Town Council has announced the successful preservation of a historically significant land parcel located at 7881 Main Street along U.S. Route 11—land that witnessed intense combat during the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. This acquisition, made at a steeply negotiated discount from the original $251,000 listing to $213,000, adds to the town’s growing commitment to battlefield and greenspace preservation. The effort was made possible through a year-long series of good-faith negotiations between town officials and the property owner.
“Open green spaces have major benefits for a community,” said Vice Mayor Jeffrey H. Pennington. “They preserve our history, offer beauty and tranquility, and protect our infrastructure from overdevelopment.”
The newly acquired parcel—comprising a desirable double lot with no existing structures—ensures that the site will remain free of dense development. Its preservation helps limit traffic congestion, strain on the town’s water and sewer infrastructure, and further enrollment pressure on Frederick County’s already crowded schools and roadways.
Along with this addition and the 20 plus-acre Bernstein parcel, the Town Park, and Veterans Memorial, Middletown has now preserved nearly 40 acres of land within town limits. Combined with nearly 2,100 acres of preserved battlefield land among park partners just outside town boundaries, the town continues to honor its rich Civil War legacy while safeguarding its small-town character.
Mayor Harbaugh emphasized the long-term vision behind the acquisition: “This purchase is another major step in protecting our heritage, controlling growth, and ensuring Middletown remains a beautiful and balanced place for future generations. We hope our park partners are energized by our recent efforts to continue to preserve properties in and around Middletown.” It was the second main street property purchased by the town this year.
For more information, please contact the Town of Middletown at (540) 869-2226 or visit www.middletownva.gov.
