Bentonville Battlefield facts for kids
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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) |
| Built | 1957 |
| 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 historic site in Johnston County, North Carolina. It's managed by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This place is famous because it was the location of the 1865 Battle of Bentonville. This big battle happened near the end of the American Civil War. In 1996, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important historical place in the United States.
Contents
What Happened at Bentonville?
The Battle of Bentonville was fought from March 19 to March 21, 1865. It was the largest Civil War battle ever fought in North Carolina.
The Armies and Their Leaders
The battle involved two main armies. One was the Confederate army, led by General Joseph E. Johnston. The other was the Union army, led by General William Tecumseh Sherman. These two generals were very important figures in the Civil War.
Why Was This Battle Important?
The Confederate army lost this battle. This was a big blow to one of their last major armies. Even though the Confederates lost, the battle was so intense that Union General Ulysses S. Grant decided to keep General Sherman in North Carolina. This was to make sure the remaining Confederate forces were fully defeated.
Exploring the Battlefield Today
The Bentonville Battlefield is located in southern Johnston County. It's between the towns of Newton Grove and Bentonville.
The Visitor Center
You can start your visit at the park's visitor center. It has lots of cool things to see and learn. You can explore interactive maps that show how the battle happened. There are also real artifacts from the battle. You can see displays about the soldiers and commanders from both sides. There's even a short video that tells the story of the battle.
The Harper House
One of the most important places to see is the Harper House. This is the only building that still stands from the time of the battle. You can tour the house, which has been set up to look like a Civil War field hospital. This means it shows how doctors and nurses cared for wounded soldiers. You can also see a reconstructed kitchen and slave quarters.
Outdoor Exhibits
Outside, you can explore different parts of the battlefield. You can see where the Union soldiers dug trenches. There's also the Harper family cemetery and a mass grave for Confederate soldiers. Several monuments honor those who fought there. You can even see examples of field fortifications, which are defenses soldiers built.
Preserving the Land
Many groups, like the American Battlefield Trust, have worked hard to protect this historic land. They have bought and preserved over 1,861 acres of the battlefield. Most of this land is now owned by the state of North Carolina. This helps make sure future generations can learn about this important part of history.
