08/22/2026
My sellers were so happy to help the town of Middletown preserve this 2 acre parcel! Congratulations🎉
𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕
The Town of Middletown is proud to announce the permanent preservation of approximately 2 acres of nationally significant battlefield land located on Mineral Street. This acquisition was made possible through the generosity of the property owner, who reduced the purchase price from $110,000 to $81,000 to ensure the land would be protected in perpetuity. The Town extends its sincere appreciation to the owners Keith Tump and Karolyn Jane Plaskota and realtor Melissa Crider for this extraordinary act of stewardship.
The newly preserved parcel occupies a critical position within the core area of the Cedar Creek Battlefield (VA122), recognized by the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission as a Priority I.1, Class A battlefield, a designation reserved for sites of exceptional national significance and urgent preservation need.
The lot played a direct role in the final phase of the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. Situated near the northern end of Major General Stephen D. Ramseur’s Confederate line, and within the gap between Ramseur’s and Major General John Pegram’s commands, the property witnessed the advance of Brigadier General George W. Getty’s Union division during the afternoon counterattack. Getty’s breakthrough in this sector contributed directly to the collapse of the Confederate line and the retreat of the Army of the Valley, shaping the outcome of the battle and the course of the war in the Shenandoah Valley.
Beyond its battlefield significance, the property contains a documented archaeological resource: DHR Site No. 44FK0713, the Millbrook Mill, a nineteenth‑century mill site dating from approximately 1850–1874. A 2011 reconnaissance survey identified substantial stone foundation remains characteristic of historic mill construction, along with noted threats from deterioration and transportation expansion.
This newly preserved acreage sits adjacent to the Miller House property and 5 acres protected by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, as well as more than 23 acres preserved by the Town of Middletown under SVBF easement. With this acquisition, Middletown now safeguards over 42 acres of historic land within town limits, complementing more than 2,000 acres preserved by park partners outside the town.
Former owners Keith R. Tump and Karolyn Jane Plaskota shared their motivation for making this preservation possible:
“With America celebrating the 250th anniversary this year, being able to permanently protect a piece of our local history made this decision an easy one. We wanted to do our part to make this possible, and we were happy to work with Mayor Harbaugh and the Middletown Town Council on a path forward to make sure this special place remains protected, peaceful, and cherished for generations to come.”
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation CEO Keven Walker praised Middletown’s leadership and long‑standing commitment to preservation:
“Preservation is more about the future than the past, and you’d be hard‑pressed to find a community in the Valley that understands that as well as Middletown. Middletown’s leaders have proven that preservation can be a major part of an economically thriving community—that growth and preservation can be given equal consideration when thoughtful people are planning for the future.”
Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV emphasized the importance of this acquisition within the community’s long‑term vision:
“In our most recent comprehensive plan, 60% of respondents identified historic preservation as the top priority for Middletown’s future. This purchase reflects that shared commitment. We are deeply grateful to the landowners for their generosity and proud to continue protecting the landscapes that define our identity and tell the story of the Battle of Cedar Creek. I am particularly proud of the Middletown Town Council for aggressively pursuing land preservation measures.”
The Town of Middletown remains committed to safeguarding historic resources, protecting rural character, and ensuring that future generations can experience the landscapes that witnessed pivotal moments in American history.
