Over 100 Years of Battlefield Stewardship
As the 4th generation owner of Four Mile Creek Farm, Mr. Howard C. Eberly III has cherished his family’s Century Farm and home, established 133 years ago. It is the legacy of the Eberly family and their special relationship with this land that led Mr. Eberly to contact Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) about not only protecting the property but planning for its future. In July 2022, Mr. Eberly donated 28 acres including the farmhouse and 19th century barn to the Capital Region Land Conservancy for protection and future public access.
The property is unique because it has seen four battles of the U.S. Civil War fought across its forests and fields: Glendale in 1862, Deep Bottom in 1864, Deep Bottom II in 1864, and Chaffin’s Farm and New Market Heights in 1864. The historic grounds have been well maintained thanks to the Eberly family, the alignment of New Market Road and Four Mile Creek, and the farmland and thick wooded cover on the Property that remains much as it was at the time of these battles.
As the property falls within the Congressionally approved legislative boundary of the Richmond National Battlefield Park, the high priority conservation area is eligible for acquisition by the U.S. National Park Service.
Scenic Views on New Market Road
With 910 feet of frontage along the south side of New Market Road (Route 5), a state-designated Scenic Byway, the scenic view across this property will be preserved for the public to enjoy. The view can also be enjoyed by walkers and bike riders traveling along the Virginia Capital Trail bike path which runs on along the opposite side of Route 5.
As development encroaches on the Route 5 corridor, open-space and water quality protection is more important than ever. Approximately 804 feet of frontage on Four Mile Creek contained within the property, 1,782 feet of frontage on a tributary of Four Mile Creek, and several forested acres of high priority conservation value will continue to be protected under CRLC’s ownership. Protection of Four Mile Creek Farm will boost water quality in the James River watershed.
