Field of Lost Shoes

Field of Lost Shoes

Year: 2014

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Sean McNamara

ActionDramaWar

During the American Civil War, a group of young cadets at Virginia Military Institute are unexpectedly called into service, exchanging their boyhood for the responsibilities of soldiers. They find themselves facing the intense realities of combat at the Battle of New Market in 1864. The experience challenges their youthful ideals and forces them to confront the devastating impact of war and the difficult choices it demands.

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Timeline – Field of Lost Shoes (2014)

Trace every key event in Field of Lost Shoes (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

John Witnesses Slave Auction

In his youth, John Wise witnesses a live slave auction that deeply affects him. He sees a slave family cruelly sold off to different bidders, which leads to a profound understanding of the cruelty of slavery and the impact on human lives.

1858 Virginia
2

John Attends Military School

Five years after his traumatic experience, John is sent to the Confederate Virginia Military Institute by his father. This military school is where John begins his education amidst the backdrop of the encroaching Civil War.

1863 Virginia Military Institute
3

The Civil War Approaches

During John's second year at VMI, the Civil War is rapidly approaching the vicinity of the military school. The cadets become increasingly aware of the impending battles that will shape their future.

Virginia Military Institute
4

General Grant's Meeting with Lincoln

In 1864, General Ulysses S. Grant meets with President Abraham Lincoln at the White House. In their discussion, Grant expresses his ruthless strategy of warfare aimed at demoralizing the Confederates by cutting their resources.

1864 White House
5

Confederate Leaders Prepare for Battle

Confederate leaders Major Charles Semple and General John C. Breckinridge analyze the terrain around New Market Gap as they anticipate the next battle against Union forces. Breckinridge insists on the necessity of reinforcements to secure their position.

Shenandoah Valley
6

Union Army's Division

Union General Franz Sigel commands forces in Virginia but is reluctant to listen to advice. He dismisses Captain Henry DuPont, suspecting him of espionage and complicating the coordination against the Confederate threat.

Virginia
7

Call to Action for VMI Cadets

General Breckinridge decides to mobilize the cadets from the Virginia Military Institute as a reserve force to support the Confederates at New Market Gap. The cadets are given the daunting task of marching 50 miles in just two days.

Virginia Military Institute to New Market Gap
8

John's Inner Conflict

During the challenging march, John Wise finds himself grappling with a crisis of conscience regarding the Confederate cause, which he questions while feeling compelled to defend his family and school. This introspection weighs heavily on him as battle looms.

9

Union Forces Advance

Lincoln is informed about General Grant's movements towards New Market Gap, where the Union army is better prepared. The ominous intelligence suggests a potential massacre awaits the poorly equipped Confederate cadets.

May 15, 1864 New Market Gap
10

Battle of New Market Gap

On May 15, 1864, the VMI cadets find themselves forced into battle with General Grant's troops as their reinforcements never arrive. Despite their youth and inexperience, they prepare to face the well-trained Union soldiers.

May 15, 1864 New Market Gap
11

Cadets Face Heavy Fire

The cadets hold their formation despite the heavy artillery fire from the Union army. Their bravery shines through as they push forward, determined to hold the Confederate line at all costs.

New Market Gap
12

John Leads a Charge

In a moment of inspiration, John Wise decides to charge towards the Union artillery garrison, rallying his fellow cadets. Their courageous assault results in the capture of the Union's artillery, causing confusion and retreat within the enemy ranks.

New Market Gap
13

The Field of Lost Shoes

Many cadets lose their shoes in the muddy battlefield, leading to the area being historically referred to as the 'Field of Lost Shoes.' This term honors the challenges faced by the young soldiers in combat.

May 15, 1864 New Market Gap
14

Heavy Losses Among Cadets

The battle results in the deaths of ten VMI cadets, including John’s close friends Sam Atwill, Jack Stanard, and Garland Jefferson. This tragic loss profoundly impacts John and serves as a somber reminder of the war's toll on the youth.

May 15, 1864 New Market Gap
15

Legacy of Sacrifice

In remembrance of their fallen comrades, the story of the courageous cadets who fought bravely at New Market Gap is honored each year with a parade at the Virginia Military Institute. Their sacrifice remains a significant part of VMI's history.

Virginia Military Institute

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Field of Lost Shoes Summary

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Field of Lost Shoes Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Field of Lost Shoes

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