The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Belle Grove Inc. mourn the May 24, 2021, passing of Senator John Warner of Virginia. Senator Warner was an esteemed national leader and a strong supporter of historic places in the Commonwealth of Virginia and throughout the nation.

A true statesman, Senator Warner worked easily across the aisle to advance the preservation and broader recognition of many important historic places. These places included the Colonial National Historical Park, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and many important sites associated with our nation’s military history.

Senator Warner was instrumental in the 2002 establishment of the Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park. The heart of the National Historical Park is Belle Grove, a co-stewardship site of the National Trust, that was once the home of the Hite family and of 276 people of African descent who were enslaved there. Belle Grove also was the site of the October 19, 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, which helped turn the tide of the Civil War to ensure a Union victory and the end of slavery.

We are saddened by the news of Senator Warner’s passing, but the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Belle Grove Inc., the stewards of historic Belle Grove, are proud to be part of his legacy of good work in the public interest.