Bentonville Battlefield facts for kids
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Bentonville Battlefield
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Preserved earthworks at Bentonville Battlefield
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 Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Johnston County, North Carolina |
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| Area | 6,500 acres (10.2 sq mi; 26 km2) (landmarked battlefield area) 130 acres (53 ha) (state historic site area) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000460 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | June 19, 1996 |
The Bentonville Battlefield is a special place in Johnston County, North Carolina. It is also known as the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. This area was once a major battleground during the American Civil War in 1865. The Battle of Bentonville was one of the last big fights of the war. Because of its importance, the site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
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Exploring the Battlefield's Past
The Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is one of many places in North Carolina that teach us about the state's history. You can find it in southern Johnston County, close to a town called Newton Grove. The site has a visitor center where you can start your adventure.
The most important building here is the Harper House. It is the only building from the time of the battle that is still standing. You can also see old earthworks. These are walls or ditches made of dirt that soldiers built for protection during the battle.
The Battle of Bentonville: A Key Moment
The Battle of Bentonville happened from March 19 to March 21, 1865. It was the largest Civil War battle ever fought in North Carolina. This battle was a big defeat for the Confederate army. It greatly weakened one of their last major armies.
Even though the Confederates lost, the battle was important. It made Union General Ulysses S. Grant decide to keep General William Tecumseh Sherman in North Carolina. Sherman's job was to make sure the remaining Confederate forces, led by General Joseph E. Johnston, were fully defeated.
Protecting History: The Battlefield Today
Many people work to protect this important historical site. The American Battlefield Trust and its partners have helped save over 2,000 acres of the battlefield. They have been doing this since 1990. About one-third of the original battlefield is now owned by the state of North Carolina. This helps make sure future generations can learn from this place.
What You Can See and Do at Bentonville
When you visit the Bentonville Battlefield, there's a lot to explore. You can take a tour of the restored Harper House. During the battle, this house was used as a field hospital for the Union army's Fourteenth Army Corps. You can see a rebuilt kitchen and the quarters where enslaved people lived.
Inside the Visitor Center
The park's visitor center has many interesting exhibits. You can learn all about the battle with interactive maps. There are also artifacts and displays that tell stories about the soldiers and commanders from both sides. You can even watch a 15-minute video that explains the battle.
Outdoor Adventures and Learning
Outside, you can walk along nearly 5 miles of original trenches. These were built by soldiers during the battle. You can also see the Harper family cemetery and a Confederate cemetery. There are several monuments that honor those who fought. A 10-mile driving tour with 8 stops helps you explore the wider battlefield.
More History to Explore
