Battle of New Market 160th Anniversary Programs
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation will be hosting the following events to commemorate the battle on
KIDS INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
Learn about the soldiers who fought in the Battle of New Market and the uniforms and equipment they wore in battle. Kids will also learn about the cannons used in battle and how they work.
BLUE-GRAY SWEETS: The Unexplored World of Civil War Sweets
Taste and learn about Civil War era candy from Susan Benjamin, owner of True Treats Historic Candy. (Tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased via our website at www. shenandoahatwar.org or by calling our office at 540.740.4545. Space is limited.)
LIVING HISTORY
Explore Civil War camp sites and talk to living historians about life as a soldier.
MUSEUMS AND VISITOR CENTERS
Visit the Battlefields Foundation’s New Market Battlefield Visitor Center in the historic Strayer House to see exhibits about the battle as well as the civilian and African American experience during the Civil War. View hundreds of military artifacts at the New Market Battlefield Military Museum.
BATTLEFIELD TOURS
Walk in the footsteps of soldiers as we cover the battle action across multiple sites around New Market and the toll it had on the civilian population, from the streets of town to the farm fields just beyond.
CANNON & MUSKET FIRING DEMONSTRATIONS
Experience the sights and sounds of artillery and musket firing during multiple demonstrations throughout the day.
For a full schedule of events, visit our website at
www.shenandoahatwar.org or pick up schedules at the New Market Battlefield Visitor Center (Jackson’s Corner Café) at 9386 S. Congress Street or the New Market Battlefield Military Museum at 9500 George R. Collins Parkway.
NEW
VISIT MARKET
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Learn about the battle at the New Market Battlefield Visitor Center with maps and interpretive panels.
9386 S. Congress Street, New Market Hours:
Monday-Friday 7 AM – 4 PM
Saturday 8 AM – 3 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM
Explore the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation’s newly opened park with trails, interpretive markers, and historic fencing.
George R. Collins Parkway, New Market
Hours: Open Dawn to Dusk Daily
Visit the New Market Battlefield Military Museum for exhibits covering a wide range of military history.
9500 George R. Collins Parkway, New Market. Hours: Open Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
Welcome to The Virginia Museum of the Civil War New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
The Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park invites you to the 160th Battle of New Market Commemorative Anniversary Event! On May 18th and 19th, we will be hosting a twoday event to recognize the anniversary of the battle, with tours, talks, live black powder demonstrations, and hands on activities for all ages.
The museum and grounds will host numerous living historians who will tell the story of the battle through programs and presentations designed to educate and entertain. Visit with the Society of Civil War Surgeons and delve into the aftermath of battle and the people responsible for caring for the wounded. Handle period fire-arms courtesy of The American Civil War Original Longarms Collectors Group. Take time to visit the military camps and ask what daily life was like for Civil War soldiers. Explore the home built by Jacob and Sarah Bushong where they sheltered with their family as the heaviest fighting raged outside their door. These and many other activities await you.
Spend the day with us, exploring and learning. Picnic tables and large grassy areas are open to those wishing to bring their lunch or purchase lunch from our food vendor or enjoy an ice cream from Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet Co. Take advantage of the Shenandoah Valley Tourist Information Center inside and see what else you can discover in the Valley.
The Town of New Market welcome visitors to the many shops and restaurants that line main street. New Market is hosting the Jammin’ Foods Fest in the Community Park from 4:00pm-9:00pm on Saturday, May 18th. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation will be offering various anniversary programing on May 17-18.
On behalf of the Virginia Military Institute and all the staff of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, we wish to thank the community and our supporters for helping to make this event possible. Every year we have recognized the anniversary of the Battle of New Market with commemorative events, large and small, the first beginning with the opening of the museum on May 15th, 1970. We look forward to continuing this tradition and hope you join us in New Market to honor those who fought and those who lived in our beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
Sincerely,
Brittney J. Phillips Site Manager, Virginia Museum of the Civil War
Tourism in the Valley— 2.5
Opening in 1970, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park has been a key component to Heritage Tourism in Shenandoah County and in the valley. In 54 years, the museum has welcomed 2.5 million visitors. Each visitor, unique in their travels, visits the museum to learn about the Battle of New Market, the major battles fought in Virginia, the Bushong Family and all the Shenandoah Valley has to offer.
million visitors since 1970!
Inside the museum you will find the official and certified Shenandoah Valley Tourist Information Center. Our friendly staff not only provides information about our site, but also about businesses and attractions throughout the Valley.
The park and museum are open year-round, seven days a week, 9-5.
The Virginia Museum of the Civil War
Subject to change. Please call 866-515-1864 for updates or check www.vmi.edu/newmarket
Friday, May 17th
Schedule of Events
9:00am-5:00pm: Museum and Park open for self-guided tours
10:00am-4:00pm: Medical Demonstrations
Saturday, May 18th
10:00am: Artillery Firing Kickoff
10:30am-12:00pm: Guided Tour with Infantry Escort
10:00am-10:30am: Union Army Drill and Black Powder Demo
10:45am-11:15am: Medical Demo
12:00pm-12:45pm: Civil War Era Dancing
12:15pm-12:45pm: Artillery Demonstration and Talk
12:30pm-1:15pm: Guided Tour
1:00pm-1:30pm: Medical Demonstration
1:45pm-2:15pm: Drill with the Confederate Army
2:00pm-3:00pm: Descendants Event
Food Vendors
Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet Co.
3:00pm-3:45pm: Author Sarah K. Bierle speaking on New Market prisoners in Andersonville
3:15pm-3:45pm: Civil War Era Rounders Game (Baseball)
3:30pm-4:00pm: Civil War Era Dancing
3:45pm-4:15pm: Artillery Demo and Talk
5:00pm: Museum and Grounds Close
Sunday, May 19th
10:00am-10:45am: Union Walk to 54th Pennsylvania Monument for Ceremony
10:45am-11:15am: Medical Demonstration
11:30am-11:45am: Confederate Ceremony at Woodson’s Monument
12:00pm-12:15pm: Cadet Ceremony at Orchard Fence
12:30pm-1:00pm: Artillery Demonstration and Talk
12:30pm-1:30pm: Bushong Lunch and presentation
1:00pm-1:45pm: Author Sarah K. Bierle speaking on New Market prisoners in Andersonville
1:30pm-2:00pm: Medical Demonstration
2:00pm-2:30pm: Union Army Drill and Black Powder Demo
2:45pm-3:15pm: Drill with the Confederate Army
5:00pm: Museum and Grounds Close
Lunch option: TBD
Programming offered all weekend
• American Civil War Original Long Arms Collector’s interactive display (closed 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch)
• Military Camp Life
• Ration Cooking Demonstrations in the Bushong Summer Kitchen
• Bushong Farm and House open for self-guided tours
• Period games at the Bushong Farm
• 45-minute Field of Lost Shoes docu-drama at the top of every hour
• Shopping in the General’s Store
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I purchase tickets? At the front desk in the Virginia Museum of the Civil War (8895 George Collins Parkway, New Market, VA 22844.) Adult: $10.00 for ages 13 and over per day; $5.00 for ages 6-12 and New Market residents (w/ID).
Are there food vendors? Yes, food and ice cream will be available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own lunch and utilize our picnic area.
What do we do if it rains? This event is held rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable.
Can I bring my pet? Leashed pets are permitted on the park grounds and in the parking area. Pets are not permitted inside the museum except for service animals.
What does my ticket include? Your ticket includes admission to the museum, Bushong house, grounds, and activities taking places at 8895 George Collins Parkway.
Is there handicap parking available? Yes. There is handicap parking available in our parking lot.
Sgt. Burns receives Medal of Honor
…we served together until I was wounded at the battle of New Market, Va. May 15, 1864. On that occasion our army was defeated and was rapidly retreating from the field, and the flag of our regiment was in great danger of capture. Major Burns, then a sergeant… rallied a few of the retreating men, myself among the number, and saved the colors from falling into the hands of the enemy. In this part of the engagement I was severely wounded…Major Burns returned in the face of hot fire from the enemy and assisted me from the field…and saved me from capture. During this engagement Major Burns…was himself severely wounded. This wound has troubled him frequently since…and he is almost totally disabled. Major Burns was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Gallantry at the battle…
—Travilla A. Russell December 5, 1908
Battlefield Medicine presented by the Society of Civil War Surgeons
The Society of Civil War Surgeons is the largest organization of its kind devoted to the medical aspects of the American Civil War. The Society was originally incorporated in the State of Ohio in 1990 as a non-profit corporation. Organized solely to educate the public as to the study of medicine as it existed during the American Civil War. The Society covers all aspects of medicine, especially surgery,
and the treatment of disease which is accomplished through research by Society members, publications, and living history exhibitions and lectures. The specific goal of The Society is to promote, both for members as well as the general public, a deep and abiding appreciation for the rich heritage of the most turbulent period in America’s history.
As a group, the society tries to pick one event a year as a maximum effort event whereas many members as possible try to attend. “Hallowed Ground” events are very special occasions because the members set up on original ground which served as a Civil War Hospital. The Bushong Farm is one such site.
The Society is open to anyone interested in any aspect of Civil War-era medicine. Collectors, lecturers, historians, researchers, museum personnel, as well as re-enactors can be active members. Some of the Honorary Life Members are prominent authors, historians, and direct descendants of Civil War personalities. Visit their website at www.civilwarsurgeons.org. Medical demonstrations will take place Friday, May 17th–
The Bushong Farm
On June 22, 1791, Henry Bushong patented a 260-acre tract in Shenandoah County that would become home for several generations of his descendants. Henry’s son, Jacob, born in 1790, married Sarah Strickler in 1818. The newlyweds took up residence in a simple cottage and began to farm and raise a family that would eventually include four boys and two girls. In 1825 Jacob Bushong finished a new vernacular Federal-style home with two parlors, four bedrooms, and a basement. By 1852 an expansion added double porches attached on the north end, providing extra bedrooms and parlors for the growing family. The Bushongs raised wheat, oats, cattle, hogs, and horses. Wheelwright and blacksmith shops provided farm implements for the Bushongs and other area families.
On May 15, 1864, Jacob, Sarah, and their family took refuge in their basement as the Battle of New Market raged across their farm. The house served as a hospital after the battle. VMI doctors worked on wounded men in the home immediately after the battle and men continued to convalesce at the Bushong Farm for weeks afterwards. The Bushongs continued to farm this land well into the 20th century. During the 1920s, the family opened their home to the public as a tourist attraction known as Battlefield House.
In the early 1940s, the Bushong family sold the farm to Mr. and Mrs. Everette Croxton of Washington, DC, who in 1944 sold it to George Randall Collins, VMI Class of 1911. Upon his death in 1964, Mr. Collins willed the Bushong Farm and an operating endowment to VMI “to be used as a trust to perpetuate and maintain as a memorial of the Battle of New Market and to place improvements thereon for educational purposes.”
The New Market Battlefield Memorial opened in 1967, with the Bushong House as the visitor center. In 1970, the Hall of Valor Civil War Museum (now Virginia Museum of the Civil War) opened. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the farm outbuildings were reconstructed, and the orchard reestablished. Today, the Bushong House and the rest of the farm have been restored to an 1860s appearance.
American Civil War Longarms
A Civil War soldier’s musket weighed an average of nine pounds. After a fifteen or twenty mile forced march, that soldier would assure you it weighed closer to 50 pounds. As one of the defining elements of a soldier’s life, understanding the technology of their weapons provides insight into their experiences. Mr. Byron Faidley, a member of the American Civil War Original Longarms Discussion and Study Group, provides that insight with hands on learning using original firearms, allowing individuals to
The Kaminsky Gallery of Civil War Firearms
The Kaminsky Gallery of Civil War Firearms illustrates the explosion of technological advance made in firearms during the period 1850 to 1865. Weapons from more than 100 makers and inventors are represented in the exhibition. The gallery is the largest public exhibit of
Civil War-era firearms in the state. One item, a Model 1860 Colt revolver captured from one of Gen. George Custer’s men at Lacey Springs, Virginia, has been in the museum collection since 1916.
One of only three known Agar, or Union “coffee mill,” machine guns is also on exhibit. About 60 of these advanced weapons were purchased by the Union Army after President Lincoln saw it demonstrated.
A rare LeMat revolver and its carbine counterpart are on exhibit. The combination revolving pistol and shotgun was invented by Jean LeMat of New Orleans. The revolvers were made in Paris and used almost exclusively by Confederate soldiers.
Close by is a battlefield-recovered Merrill carbine barrel, probably dropped by a member of the 1st New York Cavalry during the Battle of New Market. The Merrill was field-tested at VMI by Professor Robert Rodes, a member of the VMI Class of 1848 who went on to become a major general in the Confederate Army.
Virginia Military Institute Museum System
The Virginia Museum of the Civil War New
Market Battlefield State Historical Park
Located in Virginia’s historic and beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park tell the story of the Civil War in Virginia and one of the last major southern victories in the “Breadbasket of the Confederacy.” The presence of the 257 member VMI Cadet Corps in the Battle of New Market represents a unique moment in American history: never before, or since has an entire college student body been called from their classrooms into pitched battle as an independent unit. The Cadets lost ten of their number killed and 47 wounded from the battle.
Established by VMI in 1967 by the philanthropy of Mr. George R. Collins, VMI Class of 1911, the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park is a National Historic Landmark, comprising nearly 300 acres of the core battleground, the historic Bushong Farm and Virginia Museum of the Civil War.
The building was designed as a monument to battlefield valor. The brown metal rotunda is reflective of a drum with stacked bayoneted rifles. Inside the museum is an expansive red carpet depicting sacrifice and a gentle sweeping ramp indicative of the motion of the cadet’s charge up Bushong’s Hill. The Virginia Museum of the Civil War is among the top 100 structures identified as Virginia’s Favorite Architecture.
The museum features colorful dioramas and compelling artifacts from the Battle of New Market. In the theater visitors can see the Emmy Award winning docudrama, Field of Lost Shoes, on the top of each hour.
One of the most popular and admired exhibits in the museum is a 28-foot-long stained-glass window, created by Israeli-born artist Ami Shamir depicting the Valley at war. Shamir included such elements as flowing lines to suggest the Shenandoah Valley and the river of the same name, as well as the flags and seals of Virginia Military Institute, the Confederacy, and the Union, to portray the conflict at New Market.
To learn more about visiting and supporting these museums and their educational programs, scan the code!
The VMI Museum, the oldest public museum in Virginia, is located on the campus of Virginia Military Institute and tells the history of the nation’s first state sponsored military college. The museum is home to many personal artifacts of famous alumni and faculty including General George Patton, Admiral Richard Byrd, and Stonewall Jack son. Over 400 pieces of the worldfamous Henry Stewart Antique Firearms Collection explores the evolution of 19th century firearms.
The Jackson House
reveals the family man who became known around the world as General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Explore the gardens he loved at the only home he ever owned. Thomas Jackson arrived in Lexington in 1851 to teach Natural Philosophy and Artillery Tactics at VMI. Originally built around 1800, Thomas and his wife Anna purchased this house in 1858.
The Jackson House 8 East Washington St. Lexington, VA stonewalljackson.org
VMI Museum
The Jackson House
Overview of the Battle of New Market
— Cadets in the Center of the Line —
In the spring of 1864 Lieutenant General Ulysses Grant set in motion a grand strategy designed to press the Confederate nation into submission.
“My primary mission, “reasoned Grant, “is to… bring pressure to bear on the Confederacy so no longer could it take advantage of the interior lines. “Control of the strategically important and agriculturally rich Shenandoah Valley was a key element in General Grant’s plans. While he confronted General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in the eastern portion of the state, he ordered Major General Franz Sigel’s army of 10,000 to secure the Valley and threaten General Lee’s left flank while it refitted two Union cavalry patrols.
Receiving word that the Union army had entered the Valley, Confederate General John C. Breckinridge pulled together all available forces to repulse this latest threat. The Virginia Military Institute Cadet Corps marched from their classrooms in Lexington to join Breckinridge and his army of 4,500 veterans. The two armies met at New Market on May 15, 1864. By midmorning Breckinridge declared. “We can attack and whip them here and I will do it.”
After brushing aside Union Skirmishers located one mile south of the Bushong farm, the rebel infantry line came within rifle range of the Federal infantry and artillery positioned along a ridge north of the farm.
“We can attack and whip them here, and I will do it!”
Confederate General John C. Breckinridge
Experiencing devastating fire in the center of his line, Breckinridge was forced to put in the 257 VMI cadets and other reserve units. Positioned along the orchard fence line, Cadet John Howard recalled the scene: “the fire was too hot for irresponsive action… I saw a cedar tree a yard high or thereabouts with a trunk as big as my thumb. Not a very effective defense, but no matter, anything from a white oak to a wheat straw was better than nothing, and I threw myself down behind it.”
Sigel, noting the confusion in the Confederate line, ordered a counterattack. His large body of fresh US mounted troops to the east charged south along the Valley Pike until they reached the southerner’s second line and chevron-shaped position of massed artillery. Horseflesh against iron produced an expected outcome and they beat a hasty retreat. His infantry charge fared little better lurching forward awkwardly and ineffectively. Anticipating the results of the failed charge, Sigel began to withdraw his artillery.
With his line reinforced and the Federal cannon fire reduced, Breckinridge sensed his moment had come. Into the Federal fore marched the gray
soldiers. They crossed the last rain-soaked wheat field (later dubbed the Field of Lost Shoes by one of the Cadets). Only a few yards separated the armies when the blue line broke. The Cadets with the Confederate troops swept over the Federal position, and they captured a cannon from Von Kleiser’s, 30th NY Battery B. General Sigel staged a rapid retreat northward to Strasburg, leaving the field and the Valley to General Breckinridge’s army and the exuberant VMI Cadets. The Confederate army, assisted by the citizens of New Market, buried the dead, tended the wounded, and gathered abandoned Federal supplies. The Bushong home, like many local residences, became a makeshift hospital for the soldiers of both armies.
The jubilation over New Market throughout the South would be short lived as new, determined Union armies entered the Valley, first under General David Hunter and then General Phillip Sheridan turned the Valley into a battlefield again. After the Battle of Cedar Creek in October, Federal forces would control the rich Shenandoah Valley for the remainder of the War.
November, 1859
VMI in the Civil War
A contingent of the Corps was dispatched to Charles Town following John Brown’s raid on the Harper’s Ferry arsenal. Cadets stood guard at Brown’s execution on December 2nd
April, 1861
The Corps was sent to Richmond, where cadets drilled Confederate army recruits. The commanding officer during this trip was Major Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, who had joined VMI’s faculty in 1851 as professor of natural and experimental philosophy and instructor of artillery. Jackson accepted a commission and left for active duty soon after the Corps arrived in Richmond.
May, 1862
The Corps was ordered to aid General Jackson’s forces during the McDowell campaign. The cadets, commanded by Scott
Shipp, marched in pursuit of Federal troops but were not engaged in battle.
May, 1863
General Stonewall Jackson died on May 10 from wounds received at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and his body was returned to Lexington for burial.
August-December, 1863
The Corps was called into the field to defend against the raids of General William Averill, but was not engaged in battle.
May 15, 1864
The Corps, again under the command of Scott Shipp, marched into battle along with General John C. Breckinridge’s forces against Federal troops led by General Franz Sigel. Ten cadets were mortally wounded in the Battle of New Market.
Mowery Orchard
June 11, 1864
Federal troops, under the command of General David Hunter, entered Lexington. The Corps retreated to a camp in the Blue Ridge near Balcony Falls. VMI was burned the next day by Hunter’s soldiers. On June 25 the Corps returned to Lexington, only to be furloughed two days later.
December, 1864
Academic work resumed at the Alms House in Richmond, VMI’s temporary headquarters.
April, 1865
Richmond was evacuated and the Corps disbanded. The Confederacy surrendered at Appomattox.
October, 1865
VMI reopened in Lexington.
We have exciting new things planned this year and will be bringing in our plants to sell as the weather warms. Just a few of the plants we carry are bedding plants, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, hanging baskets, planters, and so much more. Stop in and check out our selection weekly.
Our year-round farm market offers a wide variety of locally produced fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, cheeses, honey, and so much more.
Stop in and see why we are known for our delicious vineripened tomatoes, the best sweet corn, juicy peaches, crisp apples, beautiful hanging baskets, a huge selection of herbs, and many varieties of tomato plants.
Open daily, hours vary by season.
Highlights at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
Virginia Museum of the Civil War
• Exhibits covering all four years of the war in Virginia.
• Medal of Honor awarded to Sgt James Burns at the Battle of New Market.
• Kaminsky Gallery of Civil War Firearms featuring weapons from more than 100 makers and inventors Illustrate the technological advances made in firearms during the period 1850-1865.
• Raeburn Civil War Art Gallery of paintings and sculpture by Civil War artist.
• Emmy award winning film – “Field of Lost Shoes.”
Miles of walking trails featuring
• Original 1818 Bushong family farmstead exploring civilian life in the mid-19th century.
• Farm house and outbuildings open for self-guided tours.
• Two scenic viewpoints overlooking the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and the Allegheny Mountains.
• The wheat field that became the “Field of Lost Shoes.”
• Monuments placed on the battlefield by veterans who fought here: Woodson’s Monument (1905) and the 54th PA Monument (1905).
• Stonewall Jackson statue by famed artist Sir Moses Ezekiel who fought in the battle as a VMI Cadet.
• Lost Shoe Trail, part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail System.
The General’s Store
From plush animals to walking sticks, find that special gift to commemorate your visit. The General’s Store, located inside the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, offers a wide range of merchandise to satisfy every interest. Among our most popular books are:
• Call Out The Cadets by Sarah K. Bierle
• Valley Thunder by Charlie Knight
• The Ghost Cadet by Elaine Alphin
Pick up a special edition can koozie commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Battle of New Market, while supplies last!
