COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Historic Resources

Matt Strickler 2801 Kensington Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23221 Julie V. Langan
Secretary of Natural Resources Director

Tel: (804) 367-2323

Fax: (804) 367-2391
www.dhr.virginia.gov

July 1, 2020

Paul S. McCulla
County Administrator
The County of Fauquier
10 Hotel Street
Warrenton, Virginia 20186

RE: Rector Tract, Rappahannock Station I and II Battlefields, Fauquier County

DHR File No. 030-5383_ep

Dear Mr. McCulla:

Thank you for submitting the “Plan for the Preservation and Use of the Rector Tract,” dated June 2,
2020, to the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) for review and approval according to the deed
of conservation easement that protects the Rector Tract property, held by the Board of Historic
Resources. Received by DHR on June 9, 2020, the plan details the proposal by Fauquier County to
establish a passive historical park at the Rector Tract property.

In support of the park, the County’s plan proposes to improve an existing parking area, install
interpretive signage, and construct a kayak and canoe launch. Visitors to the property would utilize
an existing Dominion Energy easement on the adjacent property to reach the kayak/canoe launch and
river front. The Rector Tract would be a stop along the Civil War Rappahannock River Kayak and
Canoe Trek, extending from the County’s Riverside Preserve Park to Kelly’s Ford.

We appreciate the thought and work that has gone into this plan, and find that the proposed use and
changes to the property would be consistent with the terms of the easement, provided the following
conditions are met:

1. Pursuant to Paragraphs 2.11 (Archaeology) and 2.14 (Ground Disturbance) within the Deed
of Easement (dated October 28, 2015), prior to any ground disturbing activities associated
with the project, the County will complete an archaeological survey within the proposed
location for the canoe/kayak launch as well as the footings (n=4) for the interpretive signage.
At the completion of the survey effort, the County will forward a technical report
summarizing the results of the investigations to DHR for review and comment. All

Western Region Office Northern Region Office Eastern Region Office

962 Kime Lane
Salem, VA 24153
Tel: (540) 387-5443
Fax: (540) 387-5446
5357 Main Street
PO Box 519
Stephens City, VA 22655
Tel: (540) 868-7029
Fax: (540) 868-7033
2801 Kensington Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Tel: (804) 367-2323
Fax: (804) 367-2391
 investigations will be conducted in accordance with DHR’s Guidelines for Conducting
Cultural Resources Survey in Virginia (2011, rev. 2017) by individuals who meet or exceed
the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Archaeology (36 CFR 61; 64 FR 11742). Prior to
fieldwork, DHR also requests the opportunity to review and comment on the scope of work
for the cultural resource investigations.
2. Further consultation with and approval by DHR on the interpretation of the property as a
battlefield, battlefield park, and historic site, according to Paragraphs 2.4, Permitted New
Buildings, Structures, Amenities, and Features, and 2.16, Signs.
3. Review and approval by DHR of the construction details for the kayak/canoe launch.

We look forward to working with Fauquier County on the development of a passive historic park at
the Rector Tract. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not
hesitate to contact me at Elizabeth.Tune@dhr.virginia.gov.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth B. Tune
Director
Division of Preservation Incentives

Western Region Office Northern Region Office Eastern Region Office

962 Kime Lane
Salem, VA 24153
Tel: (540) 387-5443
Fax: (540) 387-5446
5357 Main Street
PO Box 519
Stephens City, VA 22655
Tel: (540) 868-7029
Fax: (540) 868-7033
2801 Kensington Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Tel: (804) 367-2323
Fax: (804) 367-2391