The Winchester City Council held a regular meeting on September 9, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the 25th anniversary of the Kernstown Battlefield acquisition. Mayor Les C. Veach opened the meeting by acknowledging the presence of the Kernstown Battlefield Association (KBA) and expressing gratitude for their efforts in preserving the historic site.

The proclamation highlighted the KBA's formation in 1996 by local officials and citizens concerned about potential development threatening the Pritchard Graham Farm, a site of major Civil War engagements. The mayor detailed the historical significance of the land, tracing its ownership from the Hogue family in 1735 through various owners, culminating in its acquisition by the KBA in 2000 after extensive negotiations with the Grimm Trust.

The proclamation also recounted key battles fought on the property, including the first and second battles of Kernstown, which played pivotal roles in the Civil War. The first battle, fought on March 23, 1862, was noted as a tactical loss for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson but a strategic victory for the Union. The second battle, occurring on July 24, 1864, marked the last Confederate victory in the Shenandoah Valley.

In conclusion, Mayor Veach officially recognized the 25th anniversary of the KBA's acquisition of the Kernstown Battlefield, emphasizing the association's mission to preserve and interpret the site for future generations. The meeting underscored the importance of historical preservation in the community and the ongoing efforts of local organizations to maintain the legacy of the Civil War in Winchester.