Two Key Parcels Preserved at New Market

One Critical Site Associated with Opening of the Battle

NEW MARKET, Virginia — The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation has announced the preservation of two historically significant parcels at the New Market Battlefield, securing 6.8 acres of hallowed ground that played a vital role in the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. This acquisition marks the latest milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to protect and interpret Civil War battlefields throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

The two parcels are located about a mile apart, underscoring the size of the battlefield, which encompasses more than 4,000 acres. Parcel 1, situated on the north slope of Shirley’s Hill, was the site of Confederate General Gabriel Wharton’s initial assault and where the Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets suffered their first casualties. Parcel 2, located along the Valley Pike north of town, witnessed the charge of the 62nd and 22nd Virginia Infantry regiments against Union forces defending the Rice house.

“These parcels are a part of an ongoing effort to preserve New Market’s historic battlefield landscapes and open as much battlefield land as possible to the public,” said Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.

The preservation of these parcels was made possible through a combination of generous contributions and strategic partnerships. The members of the Battlefields Foundation raised $63,000. Together, Mark and Karen Perreault of Norfolk, Virginia, and the Graves family of Luray, Virginia, owners of the Luray Caverns Corporation, donated $165,000, the American Battlefield Trust provided a grant of $180,000, and the Commonwealth of Virginia contributed another $290,000. These gifts secured the funds needed for the acquisition.

“This is a tremendous victory for all who care about the Shenandoah Valley, its history, and maintaining its sense of place.” said Jack Owens, the Battlefields Foundation’s Land Preservation Projects Manager.

Building on decades of stewardship by the Virginia Military Institute, the Battlefields Foundation has in recent years opened more than 100 acres of preserved land to the public, with another 50 acres to follow. Enhancements include trails, interpretive signage, historic fencing, cannons, a monument, brochures, a tour app, and a renovated visitor experience at the New Market Battlefield Visitor Center & Museum.

“Tens of thousands of visitors come to the Town of New Market every year because of its Civil War history,” Walker added. “Making the preservation of these parcels more about the town’s future than its past.”

Preserved Properties Map