The Eastern Panhandle's explosive growth is threatening a Civil War battlefield and a group dedicated to preserving the site is seeking $1 million to help fend off development.

The Shepherdstown Battlefield Preservation Association asked the Jefferson County Commission for the money, saying the battlefield is among the nation's 10 most at-risk Civil War battle sites.


About 300 acres, or half of the site, remains in relatively pristine condition and can be preserved. The remainder "has been lost to real estate development," said association president Edward Dunleavy.