To see images from the 1999 season, click here.
New Market, Virginia, May 2000
New Market was the site of a small but tactically vital battle on May 15, 1864. A Union army numbering 8,940 troops commanded Major General Franz Sigel was moving south to control the strategically vital New Market Gap. Opposing him was a 5,335 man force commanded by Major General John C. Breckinridge. The Confederate forces included a contingent of 257 cadets from the Virginia Military Institute; although Breckinridge was hesitant to use the young students in any upcoming battles, the dire nature of the threat posed by the Yankee army meant that the small Southern army had to be augmented by any means possible.
Although Sigel occupied New Market, he had allowed his army to become spread out through the valley. Beckenridge attacked late on the morning of May 15 and quickly drove the Federals through the town. The Union troops, backed by three batteries of artillery, deployed on a hill several hundred yards north of the Bushong Farm. Fire from the cannon helped to halt the Confederate attack, and Sigel launched an ill-advised counterattack. Confederate artillery decimated the horsemen, and Breckinridge renewed his attack along the line. Sigel exacerbated the Union plight by ordering his artillery to withdraw two miles behind the defensive line. The Union infantry soon broke for the rear, and a complete disaster was only averted by Captain Henry A. DuPont, who used his battery to cover the retreating Northerners. Sigel's incompetence cost the Union 841 casualties, while Breckinridge's forces suffered 520 killed, wounded and missing. The 257 VMI cadets and officers suffered 57 casualties, including 12 dead. The cadets did not win the battle single handedly, as legend would have it, but they played a vital role in defeating Sigel's army.
The Battle of New Market kept the Shenandoah Valley, the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy," open for several more months. It diverted resources from Grant's army at Petersburg, but the repercussions of the battle would ultimately lead to the infamous "Season of the Burning" and disaster for the Confederates.
Massanutten
Mountain runs through the center of the "upper" Shenandoah Valley.
New Market was built by a gap through the mountain, giving it a
significant tactical value for the armies hunting each other through
the valley. Both mornings brought thick fog to the valley,
effectively obscuring the massive hill from view.
Members
of the 40th prepare for drill. The unit boasted some 18-20 infantry
and half a dozen civilians at the New Market event.
Union
forces retreat before the Confederate onslaught. The Bushong Farm
lies out of view beyond the trees of the fence row, although the barn
on the property is visible in the center of the photograph. The
orchard, site of particularly viscous fighting, is to the left.
Commanding
officers inspect the United State's Volunteers. The USVs and
Vincent's Brigade probably comprised the largest Federal battalion
level units at New Market. Vincent's Brigade showed up in force, with
perhaps as many as twice the number of USV reenactors in
attendance.
One
of the highlights of the second day's battle was the charge of the
VMI Cadets. A small contingent of modern VMI students, complete with
their distinctive white flag, participated in Sunday's
fight.
The
picture on the left shows the flag more clearly. Historically, the
cadets help to energize the stymied Confederate attack. They
eventually moved forward to capture a cannon from one of the Union
batteries that had held up the rebel assault on Sigel's Army. The
fact that the cannon was actually abandoned by the hastily retreating
gun crews is often overlooked, although this should not diminish the
sacrifice of the young cadets.
It
was no exaggeration to say that the grass on the New Market
Battlefield was at least waist high that weekend. Spectators could
follow much of the action, particularly the "capture" of the Union
cannon. The long grass and rolling terrain did obscure some of the
fighting from view, as can be seen in the photo
below.
Philippi, West Virginia, June 2000
For more information about Philippi's historical significance, see the synopsis on the 1999 Event Photos page.
Night
firing, covered bridge over the Tygart River. This year's tactical
was fought over much of the town. One wonders how people could stand
having scores of reenactors skirmishing through town close to
midnight, but the people seem to love it. Traci snapped this picture
of Confederates firing down the bridge. Moments later, they would
turn and discover that the main Federal force was directly behind
them.
The
Confederate commander meets with Union officers. Dell said "I don't
lose tacticals," and that evening's actions demonstrated the veracity
of his statement.
A
young participant at Philippi. It's encouraging to see the number of
children and teenagers present at these events.
A
Pennsylvania flag. Our unit is raising funds to purchase such a
regimental flag. A quality reproduction can easily run over
$1000.
Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 2000
Federal
forces withdraw before the Confederate onslaught.
Union
retreat.
Confederate
forces swing into view. Early estimates indicated that 3000
reenactors would attend this year's event. Beautiful weather and good
word of mouth from last year's event attracted a large group of
participants . . . possibly as many as 4,500.
Confederate
forces advance, driving the Yankees north toward town. The Heater
House is clearly visible in the image below.
The
Confederate high water mark. The 40th and the USVs were posted on the
right flank of the Union lines, out of view.
With
the arrival of reinforcements, the Federal line holds and
counterattacks, driving the Confederates back in disarray.
The
victorious yankees counterattack. The Cedar Creek reenactment has an
excellent reputation in the reenacting community. Perhaps the large,
corporate reenactments could learn from the Cedar Creek Battlefield
Foundation's example.
