Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site soon will commemorate the 159th anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville with a day of historic demonstrations, activities, and informative presentations.
The event, “Always on Duty,” Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., will highlight the experiences of medical providers during the Civil War, including surgeons, stewards, and nurses. Visitors can learn more about the battle and what life was like for soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. The event is free.
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 who will explain how surgeons cared for and treated wounded soldiers. Historian and author Wade Sokolosky will talk about Confederate hospitals at noon. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine will provide additional historical displays and demonstrations.
Living historians will present daily life for civilians affected by the hardships of war throughout the day, while weapons demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Community groups will have informational booths and concessions will be available for purchase.
Activities are subject to change without notice. For more information about activities, check the site’s social media channels (@bentonvilleshs) or contact Colby Lipscomb at 910-594-0789. Additional information about activities hosted by the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield can be found on their website at fobbnc.com.
About Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, was the largest battle 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. The site is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, 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. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is part of the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.