Dooley Trust Awards Grants to Save Resaca Battlefield
The fund provides $945,475 in grants to protect 303 acres of historic land in Georgia from industrial development.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The newly established Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund has awarded two grants totaling $945,475 to preserve 303 acres at the historic Resaca Battlefield. This action secures land that was targeted for industrial rezoning earlier in 2025.
Why it matters
The fund was created to protect significant historic landscapes in Georgia from encroaching development. By providing matching grants, the organization ensures these sites remain undeveloped following industrial threats.
The grants cover 303 acres, adding to the more than 1,000 acres already preserved at the Resaca site. Since 1997, the American Battlefield Trust has protected over 2,400 acres across eight Georgia battlefields.
The players
Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund
This fund is a matching grant program dedicated to the preservation of historic battlefield landscapes throughout Georgia.
American Battlefield Trust
This non-profit organization works to preserve the nation's hallowed battlegrounds through land acquisition and education.
Brian Kemp
He is the current Governor of Georgia who signed the legislation establishing the state's battlefield trust fund.
The details
The American Battlefield Trust acquired the properties to block industrial development plans that emerged in early 2025. The fund operates as a matching grant program, honoring the legacy of Vince Dooley by financing the protection of battlefield landscapes.
Timeline
Fighting occurred at the Resaca Battlefield in May 1864.
The American Battlefield Trust began its Georgia preservation efforts in 1997.
Industrial rezoning for the property was proposed in early 2025.
Governor Brian Kemp signed the fund legislation on May 13, 2025.
The first grants from the trust fund were awarded in October 2026.
Market Landscape
These grants mark the first distribution of funds under the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund legislation. This initiative formalizes a state-level commitment to land conservation, positioning Georgia's historic sites against ongoing industrial development pressures.
The protection of this 303-acre tract prevents industrial rezoning, preserving the rural character and historical integrity of the local community. Residents benefit from the long-term conservation of open space rather than the construction of industrial facilities.
The takeaway
Preservation of historic sites often requires a combination of public legislation and private matching grant support. Protecting these lands ensures that the historical narrative of the Civil War remains intact for future generations.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section of our site.
More information
For more information on preservation initiatives, visit the American Battlefield Trust homepage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
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