The
Battle of New Market In conjunction with his Spring offensive, Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant ordered Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel to move up the Shenandoah Valley along the Valley Pike with 10,000 men to destroy the railroad and canal complex at Lynchburg. At New Market on the 15th, Sigel was attacked by a makeshift Confederate army of about 4,100 men (including Cadets for VMI) commanded by Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge. At a crucial point, a key Union battery was withdrawn from the line to replenish its ammunition, leaving a weakness that Breckinridge was quick to exploit. He ordered his entire force forward, and Sigel's stubborn defense collapsed. Threatened by the Confederate cavalry on his left flank and rear, Sigel ordered a general withdrawal burning the North Fork bridge behind him. Sigel retreated down the Valley to Strasburg and was soon replaced by Maj. Gen. David Hunter. |
The Battle of New Market, Va. (May 15, 1864) | A good description of the battle by one who was there; John D. Imboden, Brigadier-General, late of the Confederate army. |
Sigel in the Shenandoah in 1864 | Imboden gave you the "Reb" side, now read Sigel's "Yank" side. |
Battle Map | Map of the New Market Battlefield. |
Cadets in the Fray | Participation of the VMI cadets in the Battle of New Market |
Official Records
Col. Jacob M. Campbell
Col. Augustus Moor
Maj. Henry Peale
Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel
Union Order of Battle
Col. George D. Wells
Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge
Lieut. Col. Shipp