Battle of New Market facts for kids
The Battle of New Market was an important American Civil War battle. It happened on May 15, 1864, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This valley was very important because it provided food for the Confederate army.
The Union Army, led by General Franz Sigel, was ordered to take control of the valley. Sigel started with about 9,000 soldiers. But he divided his army, arriving near New Market with only about 6,500 men. The Confederate Army, led by General John C. Breckinridge, had about 4,100 men. General Robert E. Lee sent Breckinridge to stop the Union forces.
A special group joined the Confederates: about 500 young cadets from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Some of these cadets were as young as 15 years old! Even though the Union army had more soldiers, the Confederates won this battle.
Why the Battle Happened
The Shenandoah Valley was a big problem for the Union Army.
- In 1862, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson used the valley to keep many Union soldiers busy. These soldiers could have been fighting near Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital.
- A year later, General Lee's army used the valley to move north and invade Pennsylvania.
- The valley was also a major source of food for Lee's army.
- It was a constant threat to Washington, D.C., the Union capital.
Because of its importance, Union General Ulysses S. Grant wanted to clear the valley of Confederate forces. He put Major General Philip Sheridan in charge. Sheridan then ordered General Sigel to march through the valley.
Sigel was a "political general." This means he was appointed to his position not because of his military training, but to gain support from German immigrants for the Union cause. He had not been trained at a military academy like West Point. Sigel had made mistakes in past battles. Sometimes, when he was under pressure, he would shout orders in German, which confused his soldiers. Despite this, Grant chose him for this important mission.
The Battle Begins
General Sigel's main goal was to stop General Breckinridge from sending his soldiers to help General Lee. Lee was fighting other major battles at the time, like the Battle of the Wilderness.
As Sigel's army crossed the Shenandoah River north of New Market, he started making mistakes. He sent some of his soldiers away to chase Confederate cavalry. He also ordered two groups of soldiers to guard bridges, perhaps in case he needed to retreat.
Meanwhile, General Breckinridge gathered his forces. He had two groups of Confederate infantry, some cavalry, and the 247 VMI cadets. On the morning of May 15, Breckinridge decided to defend his position because he had fewer soldiers and was on higher ground.
Sigel attacked, but his forces were quickly pushed back. Breckinridge saw his chance and attacked the Union line in the afternoon. It was raining heavily during the attack. Breckinridge had planned to keep the cadets in reserve, meaning they would wait and only fight if truly needed. But now, he needed them. The young cadets bravely charged forward. Sigel's army was forced to retreat back across the Shenandoah River, and he burned the bridge behind them.
After the Battle
The Battle of New Market resulted in many casualties.
- The Union Army had about 831 casualties. This included 96 killed, 479 wounded, and 256 captured or missing.
- The Confederate Army had about 577 casualties. This included 43 killed and 534 wounded, captured, or missing.
- Sadly, 10 VMI cadets lost their lives in the battle.
The Battle of New Market is mostly remembered because of the brave VMI cadets who fought there. Since 1878, VMI has held a special ceremony every year to honor them. During this ceremony, they read the names of the 10 cadets who died. When a name is called, a current cadet answers: "Died on the field of honor." This tradition keeps the memory of their sacrifice alive.
Images for kids
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The Charge of the New Market Cadets, by Benjamin W. Clinedinst, 1914
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"Field of Lost Shoes" on the New Market Battlefield
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The Virginia Civil War Museum and New Market Battlefield State Historical Park where the recreation of the charge takes place
