Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville March 18, with a day of historic demonstrations, activities, and informative presentations. Visitors can learn more about not only the battle, but also what life was like for soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. The event is free to attend and runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Harper House, used as a field hospital during the fighting by the XIV Corps of the U.S. Army will be open all day with medical interpreters demonstrating how surgeons treated wounded soldiers. Weapons exhibitions will occur at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., weather permitting. Living historians will provide a glimpse into daily life for civilians affected by the hardships of war with period demonstrations. At noon, the foremost historian on the battle, Dr. Mark Bradley, will describe the major events of the battle. Concessions will be available for purchase from the Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department.
Activities are subject to change without notice. For more information about activities, check the site’s social media channels (@bentonvilleshs) or contact Chad Jefferds at 910-594-0789. Additional information about activities hosted by the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield can be found on their website www.fobb.net.
The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, was the largest battle ever fought in North Carolina and one of the last major battles in the Civil War. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site interprets the battle and the Harper House, a farmhouse used as a field hospital where surgeons treated nearly 600 men wounded in the battle.
About Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is part of the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The site is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, 3 miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. For more information, visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bentonville-battlefield or call (910) 594-0789.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, three science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 41 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C. Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, and the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.