History buffs, community leaders and preservationists will aid in the preservation of Civil War sites in North Carolina Saturday, April 7, as part of Park Day. Thousands of volunteers across the country participate in the Civil War Trust organized event, and this year will be the largest ever involving more than 155 historic sites in 32 states. Three of North Carolina’s Civil War state historic sites will participate in the national event.
Bentonville Battlefield, Four Oaks. Volunteers at will work on the expansion of Bentonville’s Morris Farm trail, but other opportunities may be possible. Hand tools such as loppers and rakes are encouraged but chainsaws and power equipment is prohibited. Lunch will be provided. Meet at the Visitor Center, 5466 Harper House Rd., Four Oaks, N.C. A historian will be available to describe the historic site’s significance. Call (910) 594-0789 or email amanda.brantley@ncdcr.gov, for information. 9 a.m.
The Battle of Bentonville, March 19-21, 1865, involved 80,000 troops and was the largest battle fought in North Carolina and the last Confederate offensive against Union Gen. William T. Sherman.
Bennett Place, Durham. Volunteers will help with cleaning the picnic area, preserving picnic tables, clearing the family cemetery, and possibly trail maintenance. Light snacks will be provided by the Bennett Place Support Fund. An employee will describe the park’s significance. Meet at 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd., Durham, N.C. Call (919) 383-4345 or email bennett@ncdcr.gov, for more information. 10 a.m.
Bennett Place is the site of the largest surrender of Confederate forces of the American Civil War, April 26, 1865.
Historic Edenton. Volunteers will help with cleaning, repairing and landscaping around the historic James Iredell property. Participants will receive a t-shirt, snacks and will be offered a tour of the James Iredell House. Call (252) 482-2637 or email Andrew.cole@ncdcr.gov for more information. 9 a.m.
Chowan County and eastern North Carolina’s contributions to the Civil War included men who were known as “The Edenton Bell Battery” because of bells melted from Edenton buildings to make equipment for the war effort.
Fort Fisher, Kure Beach. Volunteers will assist with painting artillery guns and carriages, cleaning brush, leaves and debris, picking up trash, weeding and trimming bushes. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of Fort Fisher. Call (910) 251-7340 or email john.moseley@ncdcr.gov, for information and to register. Meet at 1610 Ft. Fisher Blvd. South, Kure Beach, N.C. 8:30 a.m.
Fort Fisher was the last open port for the supply line to the Army of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and fell after a massive amphibious assault by the Union Army Jan. 15, 1865.
The Civil War Trust is a national nonprofit land preservation organization devoted to the protection of America’s hallowed battlegrounds. It saves the battlefields of the Civil War, the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, and educates the public about their importance in forging the nation we are today. To date, the Trust has preserved over 48,000 acres of battlefield land in 24 states. Learn more at Civilwar.org.
For a complete list of participating Park Day Sites, visit Civilwar.org/parkday. Volunteers can participate in Park Day online using #ParkDay2018.
The Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.