In March of 2025, thousands of soldiers and civilians will converge upon the small, rural community of Bentonville. Not to fight a battle but to reenact the battle fought on the same soil 160 years ago. Despite the bloody, morbid nature of studying Civil War battles, for as long as the Civil War has beenContinue reading “History Comes Alive: Reenactments at Bentonville Over Time”
Author Archives: bentonvillebattlefield
Mystery Map
Article by Operations Manager Derrick Brown, 20 December 2024 As part of an ongoing project to further our knowledge of the Bentonville community in 1865, I have been researching local citizens who took advantage of the Southern Claims Commission in the 1870s. Because claimants were forced to file detailed petitions describing their property and identifyContinue reading “Mystery Map”
Fall 2024 Updates
We have had a BUSY few months at Bentonville Battlefield! We appreciate every one who has come out to visit the site or volunteer to help make it all happen. Read along here for some updates of what we’ve been up to, what’s new at the site, and what to look forward to coming up!Continue reading “Fall 2024 Updates”
“Preserve – Educate – Explore:” Preserving Bentonville as a Historic Site
Preserve – Educate – Explore: Today’s unofficial motto of Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site says a lot about what we value here at the site, namely preservation, education, and exploration. Today we’re focusing on the final third of that phrase: Preserve. Did you know? May is National Preservation Month! Organized by the National Trust forContinue reading ““Preserve – Educate – Explore:” Preserving Bentonville as a Historic Site”
Hiking Through History: Finding Nature at a Historic Site
If you have not had this experience, I cannot recommend it enough. Find a trail or tour stop at Bentonville, far enough away from the road to minimize noise. Stand (or sit) and open your ears and eyes. Breathe and take it all in. To me, it is one of the most awe-inspiring feelings. ToContinue reading “Hiking Through History: Finding Nature at a Historic Site”
‘Always on Duty:’ Medical Care, Through Their Eyes
Traveling with the army did not always mean toting a gun. Men and women of all different backgrounds, races, and duties marched with Sherman’s grand army through the Carolinas in winter and spring 1865. Although we often hear about field hospitals like the one at the Harper House, we don’t often contemplate the perspective ofContinue reading “‘Always on Duty:’ Medical Care, Through Their Eyes”
Cemeteries, Descendants, & Reflections
Blog post by Rachel McLaughlin Turning into the grassy parking lot of Long Branch Church in Benson, North Carolina, you’ll be greeted by the site of a small white church. There’s a sign with their updated name New Disciples Long Branch Church and an advertisement for their upcoming celebration event. To the left of theContinue reading “Cemeteries, Descendants, & Reflections”
The Leven Cole House
These are pictures of the ruins of the Leven Cole farmhouse on Battlefield Road in Johnston County – not far from the Bentonville Battlefield. They were taken yesterday. Much older pictures are also included here. Leven Cole (also spelled Levin) was enslaved prior to the battle of Bentonville. He might have been freed either duringContinue reading “The Leven Cole House”
2023 Recap: The Year of the Trail at Bentonville
As we reported on this blog way back in January, we have been so excited to celebrate the Year of the Trail in North Carolina here at Bentonville throughout 2023! Between events and tours, we have found time this year to celebrate the nature of Bentonville while commemorating and interpreting the history of the battleContinue reading “2023 Recap: The Year of the Trail at Bentonville”
Fall Festival 2023!
Thank you to everyone who joined us October 28th 2023 for our Annual Bentonville Fall Festival! With beautiful weather (although a little hot in the afternoon), our more than 1,300 visitors and dedicated volunteers and staff alike enjoyed the day full of educational activities, historic demonstrations, wagon rides, live music, good food, and much more!Continue reading “Fall Festival 2023!”
What to Expect: Heavy Thunder 2023
Hear the roar of cannon fire! Join us August 19th, 2023 from 10:00-4:00 for our annual Artillery + Infantry Program, Heavy Thunder! “The din of battle roared like one continuous peal of heavy thunder.” Capt. G.B. Gardner, eyewitness to the battle of Bentonville You’re not going to want to miss this chance to hear theContinue reading “What to Expect: Heavy Thunder 2023”
‘Site’ Seeing: Staff Development 2023
The staff has been seeing the sites lately! State historic sites that is. Over the summer of 2023, we have had the lucky ability to work on professional development for the entire Bentonville staff: full-time, temporary, and volunteers! We have conducted two staff trips and hosted a professional development workshop this summer alone. In thisContinue reading “‘Site’ Seeing: Staff Development 2023”
Welcome to Summer 2023!
Although the official first day of summer isn’t until June 21st, we are already in the swing of the busiest season here at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site! We have had a packed spring with tons of new and exciting projects, read along in this blogpost to catch up on everything that has been happeningContinue reading “Welcome to Summer 2023!”