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NEW MARKET, VA – Some 2,000 Civil War reenactors are expected to take part in the 144th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of New Market, May 17-18, 2008.  The event, held at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, is the oldest battle reenactment in the nation, and one of few held on the original site.  In addition to demonstrating Union and Confederate military tactics and camp activities, historical interpreters will portray civilian life during the Civil War era, including medical treatment, domestic crafts, and agricultural work. 

“Put the boys in, and may God forgive me for the order.’’  With these words, Confederate General John C. Breckinridge ordered 257 cadets of the Virginia Military Institute into combat during the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864.  Breckinridge’s 4,000-man army, including the cadets, went on to defeat a Union force of over 6,000 under General Franz Sigel in one of the south’s last significant victories of the Civil War.  Overall, the Confederates suffered 531 casualties, compared to 841 for the Union force.  Ten VMI cadets were killed or mortally wounded.

The New Market Battlefield State Historical Park is a National Historic Landmark administered by the Virginia Military Institute and includes the Bushong Farm, where the family hid as the fighting raged around them, and the Hall of Valor Museum, which interprets the battle and the military history of the Civil War in Virginia.  Both sites will be open free of charge to persons purchasing reenactment tickets. 

The reenactment literally “starts with a bang” at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 16 with an artillery duel in the town of New Market.  A Union battery positioned along Old Cross Road (Rt. 211) will exchange fire with Confederate guns on Shirley’s Hill to the southwest.  Both batteries will occupy positions similar to those taken at the start of the battle in 1864. 

On Saturday, May 17, there will be living history presentations throughout the day on the battlefield and around the Bushong Farm.  At noon, the Stonewall Brigade Band of Staunton, Virginia will present a concert of Civil War music outside the Hall of Valor Museum.  Organized in 1855, the band won fame as part of the Stonewall Brigade, named for its first commander, Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.  A Tactical Battle Reenactment will take place Saturday at 2:00 PM.   Activities continue on Sunday, May 18 with a Civil War period church service and living history programs.  The reenactment of the Battle of New Market occurs at 1:30 PM. 

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to purchase food provided by community non-profit organizations.  The sutler area will offer a wide range of Civil War period products, as well as items from the Hall of Valor Museum Store.  Parking is free.  M&R Productions, a Gettysburg-based company that has managed the event for the past five years, is coordinating the reenactment.   The event receives support from the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and the Town of New Market.

As a special incentive for families, one-day tickets for the reenactment are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children ages 6-17 (children ages 5 and under are admitted free).  All tickets will be sold at the gate, with no advance reservations.  [Local residents who present proof of a New Market mailing address will receive FREE admission to the reenactment.]  All ticket sales are final (no refunds), and support preservation and interpretation of the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park.

For more information on the Battle of New Market Reenactment contact the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park at (866) 515-1864 (toll free), (540) 740-3101, or visit the Park web site at www.vmi.edu/newmarket.