One of the more spectacular events of the Civil War occurred during the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Compelled by necessity, Gen. John Breckinridge ordered 257 cadets from Virginia Military Institute to confront the Union forces under Gen. Franz Sigel. The boys were to be kept in reserve until needed to fill a gap in the advancing line, but in the confusion of battle, they were accidentally put on the front line. Ten were killed and 45 wounded. The cadets' heroism in holding the line helped to defeat Sigel's seasoned troops, who then retreated north. Learn More...