on 14 may 1864, the governor of virginia once again called upon the cadets from vmi to participate in the american civil war. after marching overnight 80 miles from lexington to new market, on 15 may 1864, 247 members of the vmi corps of cadets fought at the battle of new market. this event marks the only time in u.s. history wherein the student body of an operating college fought as an organized unit in pitched combat in battle (as recognized by the american battlefield trust). this event was the 14th time vmi cadets were called into action during the civil war.