The Museum in the Round is what this ought to be called, but it is the Hall of Valor at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. It's located in New Market in the Shenandoah Valley, but it's not just about the New Market Battle. (Don't you love the mountain in the background? That's where Luray Caverns is located.) This museum isn't run by a bunch of "squints" (like in the TV series, "Bones.") This museum is administered by the Virginia Military Institute, so I dare say it is done in love and reverence, not just as a job. Maybe that's why I think it is so excellent.
Positioned out front are the original headstones for the cadets killed during the fighting at New Market on May 15, 1864:
Inside is a tribute to all those who have given everything in defense of the country they love:
Artist Frederick Volk's attention to detail in the veins in Travelers face, the buckles of his tack, the folds in Lee's gloves and coat, the concern and burden shown in Lee's face... Excellent!
In this one location you can get the best overview possible in such a limited space of the Civil War in Virginia. The aerial photo on the right shows the entire Shenandoah Valley; the diorama on the left shows the New Market battlefield. As you circle these levels, if you read the information presented and ponder the artifacts, you will come away with a really good understanding of what was going on. We HIGHLY recommend this museum. It would be a good place to come and stay for several days - especially if you have a whole family, because you can take the kids over to the Luray Caverns and do all the touristy stuff there, too. I'm a minimalist at heart, so I truly appreciate this presentation.
We had a really, really good time on this little outing of ours.
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