New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
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Location
New Market, Virginia
Historic event
Battle of New Market, May 15, 1864
Explore
Battlefield, museum, trails, and Bushong Farm
Plan ahead
Confirm current hours, admission, and access before visiting
New Market Battlefield State Historical Park brings together a Civil War battlefield, the Bushong family farm, and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. The site interprets the Battle of New Market, fought on May 15, 1864, and the role of Virginia Military Institute cadets in the Confederate victory.[1]
Start inside the museum for exhibits and context, then head outdoors to see the ground and farmstead that shape the story. Walking trails cross the battlefield and reach scenic views above the North Fork of the Shenandoah River; check the museum’s current visitor information before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to New Market Battlefield State Historical Park
Why visit the battlefield and museum?
The park is especially rewarding for visitors who want to connect a museum visit with the actual landscape of a Civil War battle. The museum explains the battle and its Virginia context, while the grounds let you walk among open fields, wooded trails, and the historic Bushong Farm.[3]
The site also makes room for the land’s natural character. Trails pass through fields and woods, and overlooks above the river offer opportunities to watch for birds and take in the Shenandoah Valley landscape.[4]
Start here
Begin at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, where exhibits introduce the Battle of New Market and the people connected with it. The museum also presents the short film Field of Lost Shoes; the Virginia Military Institute lists it among the museum’s visitor experiences.[5]
After the museum, choose a battlefield walk that suits your time and footing. The park has multiple trails, including routes along the bluff and through the woods; check on-site information and current conditions before choosing a route.[6]
What to see and do
Start with galleries interpreting the Civil War in Virginia and the Battle of New Market, with artifacts and exhibits connected to the battle and the Bushong family.
Battlefield trails
Walk across the battlefield on trails that pass through open fields and woods, including sections along the bluff above the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.
Bushong Farm
Explore the historic farmstead at the center of the battlefield story. The Bushong home was used as a hospital by both sides during the battle.
Field of Lost Shoes
Learn how muddy ground during the cadets’ advance gave a battlefield area its memorable name, and see the landscape that helped inspire the museum’s film.
River overlook and wildlife
Pause above the North Fork of the Shenandoah River for a view of the water and surrounding landscape. The park’s fields, woods, and river corridor also offer birdwatching opportunities.
History and significance
The Battle of New Market took place on May 15, 1864, during the Union campaign to move up the Shenandoah Valley and threaten Confederate supply routes. Confederate forces under John C. Breckinridge, including cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, defeated Union forces led by Franz Sigel; Sigel’s army retreated after failing to sever the Confederate supply line.[7]
The cadets’ participation is a central part of the site’s story. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources records that 247 VMI cadets fought in the battle and notes that the restored Bushong House served as a hospital for both sides. The battlefield is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.[8]
The park’s interpretation brings together the military action, the cadets’ experience, and the Bushong family’s farmstead. The name “Field of Lost Shoes” recalls the muddy ground crossed during the fighting, where cadets lost shoes as they advanced.[9]
Planning a visit
The park and museum are at 8895 George Collins Parkway in New Market. The Virginia Military Institute currently lists the museum as open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with holiday closures; hours and closures can change, so confirm details before traveling.[10]
Allow time for both the museum and outdoor grounds. The park includes battlefield trails and historic farm buildings, so wear shoes suitable for walking outdoors and check current trail conditions and admission details with the site before your visit.[11]
Nearby attractions
New Market, Virginia
Explore the Shenandoah Valley town beside the battlefield.
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District
Discover the wider network of Civil War battlefields and historic places across the valley.
Shenandoah Caverns
Visit a cave attraction in the Shenandoah Valley.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Museum of the Civil War, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of the Civil War, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of the Civil War, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Battle of New Market, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ New Market Battlefield Park, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Battle of New Market, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of the Civil War, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-23.