Over May 16-17, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park will remember the Battle of New Market that raged across Jacob Bushong’s farm.
The museum and its grounds will host numerous living historians who bring the story of the battle to life through engaging programs and presentations designed to both educate and entertain. This year’s focus highlights how the war influenced advancements in medicine and the treatment of battlefield injuries.
Members of the Society of Civil War Surgeons will conduct medical demonstrations throughout the weekend, setting up in the Bushong House hospital room to recreate wartime conditions and practices.
The commemoration will also feature a variety of programs suitable for all ages.
Visitors are encouraged to take time to explore the military camps and speak with interpreters about daily life for Civil War soldiers. Guests can also tour the home built by Jacob and Sarah Bushong, where the family took shelter as intense fighting raged just outside their door.
Visitors can enjoy hands-on and immersive activities including cooking demonstrations at the Bushong Farm, military drills, live black powder demonstrations, and authentic camp life experiences. Saturday’s events will conclude with a Civil War–era rounders baseball game.
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, 1864, 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 and received the Medal of Honor.
The Battle of New Market came at a crucial moment in the Union’s offensive movements that year. The battle is noteworthy for the role played by the VMI Corps of Cadets, the only time a college student body engaged in pitched battle under its own command and achieved victory.
A schedule of events is posted on the Virginia Museum of the Civil War’s website and social media pages.
Admission rates are $12.00 for adults (ages 13-64); $7.00 for youth (ages 5-12), and $10 for seniors.
