Battle of New Market | Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864

On May 15, 1864, Union forces under Franz Sigel clashed with Confederates under former Vice President of the United States John C. Breckinridge deep in the Shenandoah Valley in the small town of New Market. In post-war years the battle has been made famous by the story of Virginia Military Institute Cadets that filled a hole in Breckinridge's line and charged across the Field of Lost Shoes.

Join Sarah Kay Bierle and Andy Poulton of the American Battlefield Trust for a tour of Sarah's favorite battlefield. Special thanks to Sarah Hebert and the rest of the staff at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War for having us.

The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

[joecolflesh]

HUZZAH for Sarah! Thanks for taking the time to show us the Valley of 1864! Give her a raise!

[frankofva]

Sarah has done an outstanding job presenting the history of this famous engagement. Bravo!

[delrayshaffer]

I am impressed with Sarah's knowledge and memory! Excellent command of the facts.

[culmo]

I charged across that field twice my rat year at VMI. Once at the end of hell week and once again on our second day of breakout. Both were emotional, but the second one included cannon fire after we'd marched around 19 miles.
I was fortunate to be at VMI before the school attempted to distance itself from its own history.

[lyndalavorini]

You are an outstanding story teller. You know your facts and present them in such an engaging way!

[cathleen]

Outstanding presentation and heat endurance!! Good job Sarah. The Shenandoah Valley is truly a beautiful landscape. The old farmhouses are still there but neglected now that the interstate has cut through so much. The further north one travels the more the landscape is altered with gigantic 500, 000 square feet distribution centers with enormous parking lots. We are lucky and beholden to historic preservationists and the American Battlefield Trust. Thanks to all of you.

[texmexfla]

Thanks American Battlefield Trust for this video and efforts to save hallowed ground!

[joegray]

Been there twice. Its easy to ride by if you dont know its there, but its deffinatly worth the stop. The museum is amazing, thank you for preserving this site.

[terryeustice]

Thank you Sarah! I have been to New Market. You are shinning today. Thank you American Battle Field Trust 💯👊👍

[princeofmoskova]

My parents and I lived at Court Manor, just a few miles South of New Market on the Old Valley Pike (No I-81 back then) back in 1970. That battlefield is what drew me into my fascination with the American Civil War. Thank you for this excellent video Sarah.

[JeffL-rjxq]

Thank you ABT for this series! Proud to be a longtime member! Looking forward to learning more about this important campaign!

[Cullyx]

I really enjoy Sarah’s presentations. She knows her stuff, and is excellent in presenting it to viewers. Congratulations, Sarah!

[Bowhead]

Nice to see Sarah get some screen time. Great job Sarah!

[j-koch]

Sarah did a wonderful job!! So much information in a short amount of time is impressive!

[tomsassa]

Excellent educational tour Sarah! Great job! Thank you!

[ionrileysbirdwatching]

Outstanding job presenting this video Sarah! Really informative and excellent delivery.

[tarheelz]

Thank you! My g g grandfather was with the 62nd VA. They went up the Union center, then fought at Cold Harbor and Lynchburg.

[russharbaugh]

Well done a wonderful, extemporaneous overview of the battle. Turn her loose on other fields !!!

[michelehumphrey]

Beautiful country. So happy to see it preserved.😊

[Phs]

Very thorough! You obviously researched a lot, and have incredible narration memory.