This Day in Henrico History: Sept. 26 – New Market Heights anniversary weekend brings thousands to Henrico

On Sept. 26, 2014, Henrico County began a three-day commemoration weekend marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market Heights and other Civil War fighting in the county.

The county staged the event at the Runnymede property adjacent to the Malvern Hill unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park. More than 1,000 reenactors from around the country participated during the weekend, which highlighted New Market Heights, Fort Harrison and the Second Battle of Deep Bottom.

New Market Heights held particular significance because of the heroism of Black Union soldiers who fought there on Sept. 29, 1864. Fourteen Black soldiers earned Medals of Honor for their actions at New Market Heights, part of the larger group of U.S. Colored Troops honored for the Henrico fighting.

County officials later reported that the Sept. 26-28 commemoration drew about 5,000 spectators, visitors and schoolchildren and included a special ceremony recognizing Medal of Honor recipients.

Sources: Henrico County event announcement; Henrico County Board of Supervisors minutes, Oct. 14, 2014.