On March 21-22, 2020, thousands of living historians from across the country will descend on Bentonville Battlefield for the 155th Anniversary reenactment of North Carolina’s largest battle. Over 3,000 participants are expected for the two-day event, making it one of the country’s largest reenactments in 2020.
Advanced tickets for this unique opportunity are now on sale! In addition to the daily ticketed battles, spend the day exploring a host of free activities: inspect the soldier’s camps, smell period cooking, listen to lectures, tour the Harper house, learn about 19th Century medicine, shop the dozens of “sutlers” – vendors selling Civil War related items – or just relax while listening to period music. Bring the family and enjoy a day with us at Bentonville Battlefield. Concessions will be provided by the Bentonville Fire Department.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.bentonvillereenactement.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Bentonville Battlefield or by calling (910) 594-0789. Checks can be mailed to Bentonville 155th Event Tickets, P.O. Box 211, Newton Grove, NC 28366.
In 2015, some 60,000 visitors attended the two-day event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the battle. Because of the event’s popularity, organizers are limiting the number of tickets sold, giving those who attend a better view of the battle scenarios. Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets well in advance of the event. Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 7-12. After March 15, and at the gate (if available), tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children 7-12. Children 6 and under attend free. A discounted combination ticket is also available during advanced sales only.
The 2020 event is sponsored by the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield, Inc., the Johnston County Visitors Bureau and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. All proceeds from the event support Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. A portion of all earnings will go towards a capital campaign for a new visitor center for the battlefield.
The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, involved 80,000 troops in one of the last major actions of the war. A patched together Confederate army under the command of Joseph Johnston failed to halt Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s advance through eastern North Carolina, eventually leading to the largest Confederate surrender of the war at Bennett Place near Durham weeks later.
Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. For more information, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm or call (910) 594-0789.