New Market & VMI in the Civil War

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The VMI Archives contain a wide variety of primary source materials relating to the Civil War era and the participation of VMI Cadets in the Battle of New Market.

Spotlight: John Hanna Diary

Diary kept by wartime cadet John Hanna, containing a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington during the spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864, just prior to the Battle of New Market.  The entries contain comments about VMI activities and people, Lexington (VA) social life, and discussion of personal concerns