President Thomas Jefferson’s great-great nephew, Private Thomas Garland Jefferson, was mortally wounded as his Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Cadet unit advanced against Union troops at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. He was shot in the chest, and the bullet was removed from his back. His friend and officer, Moses Jacob Ezekiel, walked back to town, obtained a wagon, and carried Jefferson to the home of Eliza Clindinst. Despite the efforts, Jefferson literally died in Eliza’s arms. Ezekiel survived the war, and went to Italy, where he became a famous sculptor. Among his work was the Reconciliation Statue at Arlington Cemetery. You’ll hear all about Thomas, Moses, and Eliza on the October 25 Both Sides Tour to New Market. Be sure and contact Don to secure your seat!
You Don’t want to miss this exciting excursion back in time to New Market on May 15, 1864!
BOTH SIDES TOUR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
STONEWALL JACKSON’S VMI STATUE IS NOW IN NEW MARKET –
AND THE BOTH SIDES TOUR WILL VISIT IT,
TWO MUSEUMS AND THE BATTLEFIELD!
When you think about it, those at Virginia Military Institute who wanted to remove Stonewall Jackson’s statue from its Lexington campus paved the way for the likeness of the famed Confederate general to wind up in a more familiar and meaningful place as far as Civil War history is concerned.
Jackson now stands in front of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market, overlooking the terrain that figured prominently in his successful 1862 Valley Campaign. Jackson chased Union invaders north before joining Robert E. Lee’s effort to protect Richmond as part of the new commander’s successful Peninsula Campaign.
The Both Sides Tour will visit Jackson at the Virginia Museum, the site formerly known as the VMI Hall of Valor Museum. Jackson has been there for several years, welcoming visitors interested in his Valley of Virginia and early Civil War exploits before he was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville in May 1863. The museum itself was taken over by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2021 and state leaders made a place for one of Virginia’s most famous soldiers.
While in New Market, the Both Sides Tour also will visit the New Market Battlefield Military Museum, now operated by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation, as well as the actual battle site where cadets from VMI repelled a Union counterattack and saved the day for the Confederates. Don Hakenson and Ben Trittipoe will handle the military aspects of the battle, while Carl Sell will offer sidelights about the move of the statue and the mortal wounding of the great, great grandson of President Thomas Jefferson, a VMI cadet.
The cost of this tour will be $135. The slight increase is due to two separate museum admission fees and the added cost of lunch at the famous Southern Kitchen on Valley Pike. The restaurant is famous for its fried chicken and our meal also will include BBQ Beef Tips. Don and Ben have eaten there and say the quantity and quality is well worth the added price.
Tour leaves Franconia at 8:15 a.m. sharp. Park at the Olivet Church lot at the corner of Beulah Street and Franconia Road. The government center may not be open due to its relocation, so the bus will leave from Olivet. Make sure we have your e-mail and phone number for updates.
Bring your own coffee! Doughnuts will be available on the bus. There will be a pick up and short pit stop at the Park and Ride lot next to Sheetz in Gainesville. Park and meet the bus there about 9:00 a.m. Let us know where you will join the tour. Using your money, Don will pay all the bills. All you have to do is enjoy the museums, food, battlefields and information!
BUS LEAVES FRANCONIA MUSEUM AT 8:15 A.M.
SPECIAL PICK-UP NEAR GAINESVILLE – Ask for details!
DON’T BE LATE!
Both Sides Tour – October 25, 2025 Registration Form
Contact Don Hakenson dhakenson@verizon.net
Carl Sell sellcarl@aol.com
Ben Trittipoe btritt1@gmail.com