July 5th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced $7.2 million in​grants to help identify, preserve, and protect America’s battlefields, including $316,234 to two Frederick County projects for restoration of South Mountain Battlefield in partnership with the Civil War Trust and Central Maryland Heritage League. This grant also includes $45,751 for Washington County to restore the Williamsport Battlefield. Secretary Zinke made the announcement while visiting Antietam National Battlefield, where he also stated that President Donald J. Trump's first quarter salary donation of $78,333 would go toward the restoration of two projects at the fabled Western Maryland battlefield.

​After President Trump donated his first quarter salary to the National Park Service, an anonymous donor pledged $22,000 to bring the President's donation to an even $100,000. The Civil War Trust and the National Park Foundation, and Save Historic Antietam Foundation have also pledged funds bringing the total gift to $263,545. The donation will restore the historic Newcomer House on the Antietam Battlefield, and will underwrite the replacement of 5,000 linear feet of deteriorated rail fencing along the Hagerstown Turnpike where some of the most intense fighting of the battle occurred.