SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP, Pa.—Springettsbury Township is pleased to announce the completion of a fundraising campaign to acquire the remaining 47 acres of land historically recognized as the site of Camp Security, a Revolutionary War-era prisoner-of-war (POW) camp. The site was transferred to the Township on December 6. Located just east of the City of York, this acreage has been saved from residential development thanks to the combined financial contributions and overall efforts of Springettsbury Township, The Conservation Fund, the Friends of Camp Security, York County, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and other private donors.

The Conservation Fund utilized bridge funding to purchase the property in 2012, with the goal of raising sufficient permanent funding through public/private partnerships within a year.  

The Township has acquired a total of 162 acres of open space and historically significant property along Locust Grove Road.  This area, collectively known as Camp Security, was a British internment camp during the Revolutionary War.  It was used from 1781 to 1783 to house approximately 1,500 British prisoners of war and their families following the Battles of Saratoga and Yorktown.

The land is being farmed until 2014, when it will transition to grassland.  Anticipated plans for the space include environmental and historic preservation, archeological research, public open-space and park access.

Thousands live within a 15-minute walk of the property, and tens of thousands more are within a 15-minute drive of Camp Security.  This provides a huge recreational benefit to the Township and surrounding communities. 

“Springettsbury Township is proud to have been a leading partner in the process of preserving this property for community use and allowing it to remain as open space.  We look forward to working with all of our partners and citizens in continuing the preservation efforts for this historic property” said John J. Holman, Springettsbury Township Manager.

“After more than a decade of effort, Friends of Camp Security is thrilled to see the preservation of this important historic site come to fruition. We are proud to contribute to this purchase the many donations from our York County members and from people across the United States who gave to support the vital task of preserving our nation’s history,” said Carol Tanzola, President of the Friends of Camp Security.  “We are committed to continue working with Springettsbury Township to insure that the interpretation of the site goes on until its place in the early history of the USA is clearly established and commemorated.”

“DCNR is proud to join its partners—The Conservation Fund, Springettsbury Township, the Friends of Camp Security and private donors—in protecting this historically significant ground located in the heart of suburban York County,” Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti said.  “This land now will be forever accessible to the public interested in learning about the rich history of our great nation, enjoying a walk on future pedestrian trails or bringing their binoculars to spot birds and wildlife”

“The preservation of this historic property is a testament to the results of hard work, commitment and teamwork,” said Commissioner Doug Hoke. “This accomplishment stands to benefit not only York County, but the entire nation, through the preservation of a piece of our collective history.”

“We are delighted to complete the transfer of this historic property to the Township and secure one of only a few Revolutionary War POW camp sites not lost to development,” said Todd McNew, Pennsylvania State Director of The Conservation Fund.  “This completes a four-year, multi-phase project that has preserved what remains of one of our nation’s important historic assets, while providing much needed recreation space in what has been a fast-growing portion of York County.”

Because of extensive partnerships with both public and private entities, Camp Security will remain a historic treasure for future generations.

Additional Information
Camp Security: A Revolutionary War POW Camp

About The Conservation Fund
At The Conservation Fund, we make conservation work for America. By creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, we are redefining conservation to demonstrate its essential role in our future prosperity. Top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, we have worked in all 50 states to protect more than 7.5 million acres of land since 1985.

Press Release Contacts
Ann Simonelli | The Conservation Fund | 703-908-5809 | asimonelli@conservationfund.org
John Holman | Township Manager | 717-757-3521