Category Archives: Educational

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”

“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”

‘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”

‘Site’ Seeing at Sugar Loaf

One of the best ways to understand a Civil War battle is to study the context and campaign in which it sits. This past week, the Bentonville site staff as well as some volunteers had the opportunity to gain some context surrounding Bentonville and the Carolinas Campaign by touring the Sugar Loaf trenches in Wilmington,Continue reading “‘Site’ Seeing at Sugar Loaf”

Alfred Nugent and his Amputated Arm

Written by: Fred Claridge, Volunteer and Friends of Bentonville Battlefield Board Member Whenever we give a tour of the Harper House Field Hospital Site, we usually try to include some information about individual wounded soldiers who were treated there. Sometimes, we talk about the surgeons who performed the operations and cared for those wounded. WeContinue reading “Alfred Nugent and his Amputated Arm”

“She’s a Real Veteran:” Lucy Nichols and the 23rd Indiana

Posted on February 16, 2023 December 1898, over 30 years after the end of the Civil War, the Owensboro Messenger Inquirer printed an article titled “She’s a Real Veteran.” “By a special act of Congress,” the article explains, “Aunt Lucy Nichols of this city will receive a pension of $12 a month.” Written so casually, it’s not immediatelyContinue reading ““She’s a Real Veteran:” Lucy Nichols and the 23rd Indiana”

James E. Hanger and the Development of Civil War Prosthetics

Posted on September 28, 2022by fobbnc by: Fred Claridge Editor’s Note: Fred has been an incredible volunteer throughout this year and an active member of our support group, the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield. This is the first of (hopefully) many blog posts Fred will contribute. Read along for a fascinating story of medical history and some insightContinue reading “James E. Hanger and the Development of Civil War Prosthetics”