Battle of New Market 160th Anniversary Commemoration Event

160 ^th Commemoration of the Battle of New Market, May 18 ^th -19 ^th , 2024. Join the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park as we remember the Battle of New Market that raged across Jacob Bushong’s farm and the soldiers that struggled there.

In the spring of 1864, Union Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel prepared to lead a new invasion force into the Valley, operating on the far-right flank of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign. Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge scrambled to organize the Confederate defense. When the opposing brigades clashed near the small crossroads town of New Market on May 15, I864, new legends of courage were born.

Local civilians witnessed the combat unfold in their streets, churchyards, and fields and aided the fallen. The young cadets from the Virginia Military Institute rushed into the battle when ordered–an opportunity for an hour of glory and tragedy. A Union soldier saved the national colors and a comrade, later receiving a Medal of Honor.

The battle of New Market, though a smaller conflict in the grand scheme of that blood-soaked spring, came at a crucial moment in the Union’s offensive movements that spring and also became one of the last major Confederate victories in the Shenandoah Valley.

New Market shined for its accounts of youth in battle, immigrant generals, and a desperate, muddy fight. Youth and veterans, generals and privates, farmers and teachers-all were called into the conflict or its aftermath of the battle, an event that changed a community, a military institute, and the very fate of the Shenandoah Valley.

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 Long Arms Civil War 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!

A schedule of events is posted on the Virginia Museum of the Civil War’s website and social media pages.

Daily rates are $10.00 for adults (ages 13+); $6.00 for youth (ages 5-12). Call 866-515-1864 or e-mail nmbshp@vmi.edu for more information.

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