HFFI receives large land donation

The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation Inc. (HFFI) will receive gifts of three plots of land in Spotsylvania County totaling more than 12 acres.

Rebecca Campbell Light, a longtime HFFI member and history aficionado, donated land on Mine Road in Spotsylvania County to the organization. The land, which is at the edge of a Fredericksburg Civil War battlefield, is assessed at more than $600,000.

The agreement allows for HFFI to sell the properties with restricted covenants that will protect historic sites including a cemetery, basement ruins of a historic house, and two historic “Witness Trees.” The gift also included money that will help HFFI stabilize and protect the sites.

“This gift will allow HFFI to better fulfill its mission of preservation in Fredericksburg and provide us with firmer, financial footing,” said HFFI Board President David James. “Over the next few months, the Board can now more easily consider the possibility of additional staffing as well other needs of the organization.”

Most of the proceeds from the land sale will go into HFFI’s endowment. At Light’s request, the Rappahannock Valley Civil War Round Table is named in the agreement, acting as a secondary recipient in the event HFFI is unable to meet obligations in the future.

Closing on and transfer of the properties will take place in July. Following site work required in the agreement, the land will be offered for sale.