Newtown Battlefield State Park to expand thanks to grant

ASHLAND, N.Y. ( WETM ) — Newtown Battlefield State Park’s protected land will be expanding thanks to a federal grant.

According to a Sept. 20 article from the National Park Service , the Town of Ashland was awarded $860,278 through a Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant from the National Park Service to preserve 322.09 acres of Newtown Battlefield. The town will use this grant to fully purchase two properties and then transfer the land to New York State. The state will incorporate the 322.09 acres as part of Newtown Battlefield State Park. This action will ensure that the historic battlefield and natural landscape are protected forever.

“The Newtown Battlefield is a treasured and historic gem in Chemung County,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy about the land acquisition. “This investment will allow the Town of Ashland to preserve this important part of our nation’s history for future generations while promoting local tourism and education. Preserving our historic battlefields also honors the sacrifice of those who gave their lives and ensures that their heroism is never forgotten.”

Like its name suggests, Newtown Battlefield was the site of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Newtown. American General John Sullivan led about 3,200 soldiers to victory against British, Loyalist, and Native American forces during the Aug. 29, 1779, battle, according to the American Battlefield Trust. The site of this Sullivan-Clinton Campaign battle is now home to cabins, pavilions, campsites, walking trails, a monument, and more.

The goal of Battlefield Acquisition Grants is to acquire and preserve threatened battlefields across the United States. Funding for the American Battlefield Protection Program comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which gets its money from offshore oil and natural gas leasing revenue.

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