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May 20-21, 2017
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
The Northern Virginia Daily
Location of reenactment services & events
HISTORY YOUR ADVENTURE.
MAKE OUR
WALKING TOURS / MUSIC FESTIVALS / UNIQUE SHOPS
NewMarketVirginia.com
The Northern Virginia Daily
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
Schedule of Events Monday-May 15, 2017 2:00-4:00
2:30 PM Battle of New Market, the First Day
5:00 PM
Director’s Battlefield Tour- REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION (Call 1-866.515.1864)
Grounds Closed to the Public
Saturday-May 20, 2017
Sunday-May 21, 2017
10:00 AM Grounds Open to the Public
10:00 AM
10:00 AM Grounds Open to the Public
10:00 AM
Living History at the Bushong Farm
Church Service
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
Artillery Demonstration (Spectator Area)
11:00 AM Lecture: Battle of New Market (Museum Benches)
Living History at the Bushong Farm
1:00 PM Battle of New Market, The Field of Lost Shoes
12:00 PM
5:00 PM
Cavalry Battle (Spectator Area)
Grounds Closed to the Public
3
rd
20-21, 2017
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BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
The Northern Virginia Daily
Welcome to New Market
Merchants & Vendors (aka Sutlers)
n behalf of the Virginia Military Institute and the staff of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, welcome to the 153rd Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment. We have the distinction of holding the longest, continual reenactment in the United States, still held on original battlefield property. While our first event was in May of 1914, our biggest was in September of 1923 between VMI Cadets and United States Marines.
n the 19th century civilians called Sutlers followed the armies to sell items not available from the government, such as pen and paper, sweet treats, tobacco, patent medicines, reading materials, buttons, and even body armor. This tradition continues today at reenactments nationwide. Plan to upgrade your reenacting kit or fill your civilian attire needs with one of the many excellent period merchants who will be setting up shop at the 153rd Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment..
O
On May 20-21, 2017, we will mark the 153rd Anniversary of the Battle of New Market, with a two-day commemorative reenactment. You will witness hundreds of living historians from around the United States recreating a moment unique in American history and on the actual spot that event took place. The battle is best known for the heroic role played by the young cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, the youngest only 15 years old; but valor and bravery knew no color that day. It is their story you will learn during your visit. Be sure to visit the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and historic Bushong farmstead, or have lunch at the various food vendors or shop at the many Civil War period merchants on site. Your reenactment admission ticket is good for all of the activities that day. Don’t forget to visit the Town of New Market with its many shops, restaurants and businesses. We are glad that you are here and hope that you will have fun for the day and make memories for a lifetime. Sincerely, Troy D. Marshall Lieutenant Colonel, Site Director, Virginia Museum of the Civil War
CUB PACK 117 MOUNT JACKSON, VA
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Adler’s Dry Goods - General Mercantile Haycock Wood Company - Wood Furniture, Toys, Dolls K & K Mercantile - Military and Civilian Clothing and Accessories Mac’s Sutlery - Original and Reproduction Accessories Maryland Sutler - Military and Civilian Items North State Haberdashery - General Mercantile Proper Period - Productions: Period Wardrobe and Costume Quartermaster Shop - Military and Civilian Items Regimental Quartermaster - Military Goods S & S Sutlery of Gettysburg - Military & Civilian Items The Blacksmith - Blacksmith & Wood The Button Baron - Specializing in Antique Buttons Timeless Colors - Civil War Flags VA Museum of the Civil War’s General’s Store - V.M.I. Apparel, Books, Souvenirs
We Thank Our Food Vendors Hamburger...............................................$3.50 Cheeseburger ...........................................$3.75 Hot Dog ....................................................$2.00 BREAKFAST Chili / Cheese Dog .................................$2.50 Sausage Gravy W/ Biscuits...................$4.50 Beef BBQ Sandwich ................................$5.00 Fried Bologna Sandwich ........................$3.00 Fried Bologna Sandwich ........................$3.00 W/ Egg & Cheese ...................................$3.50 All Drinks.................................................$1.00 Country Ham Sandwich ........................$3.50 W/ Egg & Cheese ...................................$4.00 Sausage, Egg & Cheese ..........................$3.50 SONS OF VETERANS FOR THE Bacon, Egg & Cheese..............................$3.50 NEEDY • NEW MARKET, VA Country Ham Sandwich ........................$3.50 Hamburger...............................................$3.00 LUNCH Cheeseburger ...........................................$3.50 Grilled Cheese Sandwich.......................$2.00 Hot Dog ....................................................$2.00
Chili Dog ..................................................$2.50 French Fries..............................................$2.50 BBQ Sandwich.........................................$4.00 Fried Bologna Sandwich ........................$3.00 Fried Tenderloin ......................................$4.00 Kielbasa ....................................................$3.50 Funnel Cakes ...........................................$4.00 All Drinks.................................................$1.00
AUNT SUE’S LEMONADE STAUNTON, VA
Large Orangeade in souvenir cup (32 oz.) ...$5.00 Regular Lemonade in souvenir cup (16 oz.) ...$3.00 Regular Limeade in souvenir cup (16 oz.)....$3.00 Regular Orangeade in souvenir cup (16 oz.) ..$3.00 Bottled Water ...........................................$1.00
NEW MARKET ROTARY CLUB NEW MARKET, VA
Sausages ...................................................$3.00 Hot Dogs ..................................................$2.00 Large Lemonade in souvenir cup (32 oz.) ....$5.00 Chips .........................................................$1.00 Large Limeade in souvenir cup (32 oz.) .......$5.00 Drinks .......................................................$1.00
The Northern Virginia Daily
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
page 5
Frequently Asked Questions the parking area. Where can I purchase tickets? Tickets are available at the Park entrance gate. Adult: $10.00 for ages 10 and over Can I bring a backpack? per day. Ages 9 and under free! The Park In the interest of public safety, no backgate will open to the public at 8:00 a.m. packs will be allowed outside of the with the camps opening at 10:00 a.m. parking area.
the weather at New Market that day. Hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes would be appropriate.
Are there activities before and after the battles?
to the sutler area, concessions, the farm, camps, and to the museum. Comfortable shoes are recommended. We have special handicap parking available next to the spectator area for those with placards or special license plates.
Yes, your ticket includes admission to Is there handicap parking the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. In What is a Sutler? the Museum you can view the Emmyavailable? In the 19th century civilians called award winning film, Field of Lost Shoes, Yes. Please let the front gate staff and Sutlers followed the armies to sell items The battle is narrated over a PA system the exhibits on the Battle of New parking attendants know that you not available from the government, such in front of the Field of Lost Shoes, just Market, and the Virginia Room, which require handicapped parking. as pen and paper, sweet treats, tobacco, north of the Bushong Farm. This is the follows the story of the war in Virginia. patent medicines, reading materials, butlargest gathering area for spectators, although some people “follow” the sol- tons, and even body armor. This tradiCan I bring my pet? There are also living history presentation continues today at reenactments diers as they move from the southern No pets are permitted on the park tions at the farm, a guided tour of the nationwide. section of the Park to the climax of the grounds, in parking areas, or in vehicles battlefield and an artillery demonstrabattle at the northern end. You may wish (attended or unattended) with the tion on Saturday. On Sunday there will to bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to What do we do if it rains? exception of service animals and regisbe a period church service in the large see the action close up. tered cavalry horses. In over 40 years of hosting the reenactactivities tent near the sutler area. Don’t ment we have only cancelled the event a forget to visit the camps and interact few times, and those cancellations took Are there food vendors? Lost and Found: with reenactors before the battle each place after very heavy rains threatened Yes, food is available from several local day. Camps are closed to the public dur- Lost items will be kept at the front desk the safety of the horses and riders. The non-profit organizations. ing and immediately following the reen- of the museum. reenactment is held rain or shine. Tickets actment. are non-refundable.
Where is the best place to view the battle?
Can I bring a picnic lunch?
Yes, and feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In the interest of public Clothing: safety coolers are not allowed outside of We suggest wearing light clothing for
Is there a lot of walking involved?
Code Adam:
Lost children will be taken to the Sheriff’s Department mobile command A moderate amount of walking is required from the designated parking lot center near the food vendors.
Our Reenactment Commanders Federal Commander - Brigadier General Darrell N. Markijohn
Confederate Commander - Major General Terry Shelton has enjoyed a lifelong passion for American Civil War military history. His reenacting career began in 1992 when he joined Purcell’s Battery of the has been a living historian for 23 years. He first joined the 6th Ohio Cavalry as a Confederate Military Forces. Since General Shelton served on active duty in the US Army Infantry, he found his mounted trooper in 1994. He served in the ranks for 8 years and in 2002, rose to interest lay with that branch and in 1994 he organized and founded Company E, 1st Regiment Kentucky Volunteers the rank of 1st sergeant and Unit Adjutant. In 2000, Markijohn was named to the and that unit quickly became part of Longstreet’s Corps. He led this company for 22 years. In 2000, General Shelton Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Civil War Committee where he created and coorbegan commanding battalions at Corps events. He commanded a division at the 145th Gettysburg Anniversary. As dinated the Morgan’s Raid Reenactment to celebrate the State’s 200th birthday in the existing Corps commander was frequently elevated to overall confederate commander for events, General 2003. Markijohn portrayed Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan and lead 170 Shelton was asked to lead the Corps in his stead. Those events included the 150th Fredericksburg, 149th horsemen on a grueling 60 mile ride along the actual route of the Raid through Spotsylvania. In 2008, General Shelton was appointed overall commander and event organizer for the Annual Southeastern Ohio in 2003 and then again in 2006. In 2004, he was elected to the Encampment and Reenactment at General J.E.B. Stuart’s birthplace Laurel Hill. An event he still commands today. position of United States Volunteer (USV) Cavalry Commander. In May of 2012, he General Shelton has commanded events at Endview Planation, Old Fort, NC, Marion, NC and Wendell, NC. In assumed the position of USV Brigade Commander. Brig. Gen. Markijohn served as 2013, he was elected Longstreet’s Corps commander. In his first year, he was asked to be overall confederate comthe overall commander of Federal Troops at the 150th Anniversary of 2nd Bull mander at the 150th Blue - Gray Alliance Gettysburg. This event proved to be one of the largest of the 150th Run, 150th Anniversary of Antietam, 150th Anniversary of Chancellorsville, 150th anniversary cycle of events and was attended by over 12,000 reenactors. Later that year he served as division comAnniversary event at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse, the 150th mander for the 150th Chickamauga reenactment. The following year, General Shelton commanded the Thunder in Anniversary of Cedar Creek, the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville, the Valley reenactment. Recently, General Shelton commanded the 152nd Battle of New Market. General Shelton is and the 155th Anniversary of 1st Bull Run/Manassas. Brig. Gen. Markijohn praca member of the Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels and has worked as a telecommunications and Information tices law and resides in Zoar, Ohio with his wife Hillary, two children, and two Technology Services Manager. He has shared his loved of history with his 5 children, Savannah, Katie, Courtney, step children. He spends his leisure time training horses on his historic farm. Pearl and Hugh, He lives in Winston-Salem, NC with his two youngest and enjoys history and the guitar.
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May 20-21, 2017
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
The Northern Virginia Daily
The Battle of New Market Reenactment - The Tradition Continues By Troy D. Marshall Staunton, Va., May 10, 1864 Maj. Gen. F. H. Smith, Supt. VMI: Sigel is moving up the Valley--was at Strasburg last night. I cannot tell you whether this is his destination. I would be glad to have your assistance at once with the cadets and the section of artillery. Bring all the forage and rations you can . . . Yours respectfully, John C. Breckinridge, Major General ith these few words the Virginia Military Institute and the Battle of New Market are irrevocably linked. That spring of 1864 the stakes were higher than they had ever been and so were the expectations; not like previous years when the classroom monotony was occasionally broken up by an up-country march after Union cavalry. But still youthful bravado reigned supreme at V.M.I. and many saw the barracks as their prison. Major General Breckinridge required their battalion to bolster his understrength force of only about 5,000 men. His opponent, Major General Franz Sigel, and his seemingly limitless force of almost 9,000 men was heading south- up the valley.
W
The cadets joined Breckinridge’s army in Staunton, where seasoned veterans greeted the school boys with jeers and suspicion while the young ladies of the local female Seminary greeted them with smiles and a grand ball. Cadets danced on tired and blistered feet, little thinking that battle and death loomed only a few days in their future. In the early morning hours of May 15, 1864, Colonel Scott Shipp’s battalion of cadets lumbered groggily towards the small hamlet of New Market. Here they waited an eternity until the sun was high overhead and they finally received orders to advance against the Union line in front of them. Though undoubtedly the best drilled troops on the field, only a few cadets had experienced real combat—“seen the elephant” as the veterans called it. The average age among of the Corps was 18 years; the youngest was barely 15 years old. The severity of battle is no respecter of persons. By mid-afternoon the battalion could see the Union line on Bushong’s Hill. General Sigel attempted to capitalize on a break in the Confederate line by moving his troops forward. His infantry attack was repulsed
when the break was filled by the VMI Cadet Corps and other reserve units. Now the entire Confederate line stormed across a rain-soaked wheat field—the Field of Lost Shoes. The cadets wrestled a cannon away from Von Kleiser’s Battery B, 30th NY after a brief but decisive period of close quarter fighting. By end of the day the battalion had suffered 47 wounded out of 257, with five dying and five more succumbing to their wounds later on. New Market’s battle was not large when compared to Gettysburg or Shiloh but nonetheless it was important and inspirational. One of the most fitting memorials of the cadet charge came from Captain Franklin Town, a Union veteran of the battle. As a military spectacle it was most beautiful, and as a deed of war it was most grand. When such young men fall in a cause in which they believe, whether it is intrinsically right or wrong, one may realize the sadness of cutting off a life so full of promise, yet all—those who approved and those who opposed the cause they died for—will accord them the tribute of sincere respect and admiration. I don’t believe the history of war contains the record of a deed more chivalrous, more daring, or more honorable, than the charge of these boys to a victory which veterans might well boast.
Virginia scholar Douglas Southall Freeman concluded, “Seldom did a small victory have so large an effect. Had not Sigel been driven back when he was, the Valley of Virginia might have been occupied by the Federals before the wheat crop was harvested…Short as was the time saved by the Battle of New Market, it was invaluable.”
Members of the Cadet Battalion went on to serve on other fields until the smoke finally cleared and scars of battle were hidden by time, leaving only legacy and memory. The Cadet Cemetery at VMI carefully preserved the final resting place of five of the 10 fallen cadets until a more fitting monument could be made. Remarkably this memorial was made by one of their own-a veteran of New Market, Cadet Moses J. Ezekiel. Ezekiel created “Virginia Mourning Her Dead” in 1904 with its mournful figure of Virginia standing a somber guard over the cadet remains.
On May 15, 1914 VMI, Virginia and the nation commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the battle with a day-long slate of events at New Market, including VMI’s first reenactment of the battle.
According to the May 21, 1914 edition of the Shenandoah Valley newspaper, “Early the anniversary
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
The Northern Virginia Daily
1923
May 20-21, 2017
page 7 1964
day the town filled up and ran over. The crowd is variously estimated at from 6,000 to 8,000 people. They came from all parts of the country-on the trains, in vehicles, on foot, horseback, and in automobilesprobably 400 or 500 automobiles motored in…” VMI brought 327 cadets under the leadership of Commandant COL Jennings C. Wise, son of deceased New Market Cadet John S. Wise. He led them in stages from the town center up to Bushong’s Farm, pausing only when explanation of the action required it. Spectators also followed but at a respectful distance. A Shenandoah Valley newspaperman remembered, “As the cadet corps marched over the field of battle… crowds viewed the spectacular parade from the rear end of the dwellings, lots, fields and Valley Turnpike to the east.” What was not soon forgotten was the recreation of the cadet charge when Col Wise ordered his line to halt, kneel and fire two volleys towards the now vacant Union line. His orders were heard a good distance away-“Fix Bayonets! Charge! Double-Time! March”, and up the hill they went as their gray clad forbearers once did. Ceremonies, speeches, and a public parade ended a once in a lifetime day for thousands including 27 New Market Cadets-witnesses to the action a half century ago. This would not be the last day when crowds descended on the town and the air was rent once
2014
again with the crack of the rifle. On September 20, 1923, Brig.-Gen Smedley Butler brought 3500 United States Marines to New Market for the first modern reenactment on the battlefield. The Marines stood in for General Sigel’s Union troops and the VMI Cadets reprised the role of their forbearers on May 15, 1864. According to a souvenir postcard the crowds were estimated at over 100,000 and the number of automobiles had also increased exponentially. This too would be a once in a lifetime event remembering the valor of VMI’s youthful cadets and the soldiery blue and gray. The guns fell silent at New Market for 41 years until another commemoration approached. In 1961 Virginia and the nation remembered the start of the American Civil War with films, programs and reenactments, but these were not the reenactments of almost a half-century ago. Participants prided themselves on their realistic dress, weaponry and attention to detail on the field. On May 15, 1964, reenactors and spectators once again arrived on the old field to see and learn about the Battle of New Market. The Centennial reenactment was a modest event by today’s standards; it shows nonetheless that interest in reenactments has never really gone away at New Market. Over the next fifty years the site continued to host an annual reenactment on the grounds with hundreds of reenactors claiming New Market as their first event in the hobby-their trial by fire.
Now fast forward to the year 2014, the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market. The Virginia Military Institute marked the anniversary with one of the biggest and most solemn events of the year-the New Market Day Ceremony. The cadets in their parade finest passed in the review and later placed a wreath over six of the fallen cadets buried on post. Each name is spoken followed by an echo, “Died on the Field of Honor”.
On May 16-18, the park held a commemorative reenactment on the same ground that was used in 1914. The events were well attended each day and the weather was almost identical to that of the
battle those many years ago. Troops waded through several feet of water that weekend to the resounding cheers of watching spectators.
This year marks the 153rd Anniversary and VMI and its Virginia Museum of the Civil War are well positioned to tell this important story to a new generation of cadets, history enthusiasts, reenactors and spectators alike. The park begins the event by offering a guided tour of the battlefield from 2:00-4:00 on May 15th, with the reenactment proper running from Saturday the 20th –Sunday the 21st. For more information contact the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at 866.515.1864 toll free or visit our website at www.vmi.edu/newmarket . Join us and have fun for the day and make memories for a lifetime.
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BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
The Northern Virginia Daily
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The Northern Virginia Daily
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
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BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
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The Northern Virginia Daily
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November, 1859 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 Averell, but was not engaged in battle.
May 15, 1864 The Corps, again under the command
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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.
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.
History of VMI
F
ounded in 1839, Virginia Military Institute is the nation’s first state sponsored military college. Consistently ranked among America’s best undergraduate colleges, VMI educates the citizen-soldier by offering a rigorous academic program set within a military framework and governed by an unparalleled honor code. All cadets participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, choosing between the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Over half of the graduating class accepts a commission. Initially VMI took up residence in the state arsenal located just north of Lexington, Virginia. In 1850 prominent architect Alexander Jackson Davis introduced the Gothic Revival architectural style to the Post and thereby created the distinctive look of the Institute as seen today. Major Thomas J. Jackson, later known as “Stonewall’ Jackson, arrived in 1851 to teach Natural Philosophy. During the Civil War the VMI Cadet Corps was called up for service over 15 times. At the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864, the cadets were credited with achieving victory. In June 1864 VMI sustained significant damage when Union forces entered Lexington. VMI alumni of note include General of the Army George C. Marshall, Class of 1901 —World War II Army Chief of Staff, architect of the Marshall Plan and Nobel Peace Prize winner; Admiral Richard Byrd, Class of 1908 —who received the Medal of Honor for his explorations of the North and South Poles; actor Dabney Coleman, Class of 1957; and Jonathan M. Daniels, Class of 1961— murdered Civil Rights activist of the 1960s, who was declared a Lesser Saint of the Episcopal Church for his sacrifice. The Cadet Corps numbers over 1600 men and women from around the country and several foreign nations. Every September, V.M.I. brings it new students, called “Rats”, to the Virginia Museum of the Civil War to orient them to the battle and its legacy. These students take their official oath as cadets here, they tour the grounds and form up and charge Bushong’s Hill just like their cadet forebears did 150 years ago. Members of the 1st Class (seniors) walk from Lexington to New Market—84 miles, carrying shoulder boards for the new class. The first public parade for these students is in the nearby town of New Market—a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the cadets.
The Northern Virginia Daily
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
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Take a step back in time... A treasure trove of collections featuring transportation, farm, clothing, textiles, household, business and more... showing life as it was along the Old Valley Pike.
THE EDINBURG MILL
M u s e u m • Vi s i t o r Ce nte r R e s t a u ra nt • S h o p s • Eve nt s
New!
A local favorite, Pixie’s is now at the Mill with an expanded menu, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s “homecooking at it’s best.”
New!
You’ll find wonderful wines both domestic and imported, gourmet cheeses and crackers, peanuts, mustards, chocolates and more.
Visitor Center / Museum / Gift Shop Mon - Sat 9:30-5:30/Sun Noon-5 Restaurant Mon-Wed 8:30-3/Thurs- Sat 8:30-9/ Sun 11-8 Wine Shop Tue - Sat 11:30-6:30
5409848400 • edinburgmill.com
214 South Main Street, Edinburg VA
page 12
BATTLE OF NEW MARKET 153RD ANNIVERSARY
May 20-21, 2017
The Northern Virginia Daily
The Virginia Museum of the Civil War and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
fice 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 was among the top 100 structures identified as Virginia’s Favorite Architecture in 2013.
ocated 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.”
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On May 15, 1864, Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge defeated a larger Union army under the command of Maj. Gen Franz Sigel on Bushong’s farm near the town of New Market. Breckinridge’s army included 257 Cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, facing their baptism of fire. Never before, or since has an entire college student body been called from their classrooms into pitched battle. The Cadets lost ten of their number killed and 47 wounded that day. Established by V.M.I. in 1967 by the philanthropy of Mr. George R. Collins, V.M.I. Class of 1911, the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park became a National Historic Landmark, comprising nearly 300 acres of the core battleground, the historic Bushong Farm and Hall of Valor Civil War Museum. The Hall of Valor was one of the first museums in
The museum features colorful dioramas and compelling artifacts from the Battle of New Market which raged just outside of the building. In the theater, visitors can see the Emmy Award winning docudrama, Field of Lost Shoes on the top of each hour.
the Commonwealth to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. In 2010 the museum changed its name to Virginia Museum of the Civil War to reflect its singularity as Virginia’s only state-owned Civil War museum. The building itself was designed as a monument to all valor in the battle but particularly that of the V.M.I. cadets, the youngest combatant only 15 years old. The brown metal rotunda is reflective of a drum with stacked bayoneted rifles. Inside the museum is an expansive red carpet depicting sacri-
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. The window was the brainchild of Robert Blood, who designed the Hall of Valor exhibits for its opening in 1970.
Artist Ami Shamir included such elements as flowing lines to suggest the Shenandoah Valley and the river of the same name, and flags and seals of Virginia Military Institute, the Confederacy, and the Union, to portray the conflict at New Market. The names of the ten cadets who were killed or mortally wounded in the battle are inscribed as the central feature.
Our Sister Museums 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 the house in 1858. The Stonewall 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. The Stonewall Jackson House 8 East Washington St. Lexington, VA stonewalljackson.org
The VMI Museum, located on the campus of Virginia Military Institute, 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 Jackson. Over 400 pieces of the world-famous Henry Stewart Antique Firearms Collection explores the evolution of 19th century firearms. The VMI Museum, Jackson Memorial Hall, VMI Post, Lexington, VA; vmi.edu/museum; 540.464.7334