The Fairfield Foundation has announced its acquisition of nearly an acre of land adjacent to Walter Reed’s Birthplace in Belroi. The parcel was once part of the original Reed homestead, according to foundation co-director David Brown.

Brown said the acquisition prevented the construction of a home less than 100 feet from the birthplace, which would have severely harmed an important piece of Gloucester history.

The foundation purchased the .82 acre that fronts Hickory Fork Road last month for $60,000 from Lewis Burch Construction, according to court records. Brown said funding was provided through the generous support of several donors.

Dr. Walter Reed was born in Gloucester on Sept. 13, 1851 while his father served as the Methodist minister at Bellamy Church and other churches on the “Gloucester Circuit.”

Reed is credited with discovering the method of transmission for yellow fever while serving as a U.S. Army physician. His discovery helped save thousands of live...