In part one of this blog series, we will touch on a brief overview of the Pattern 1853 rifle, its presence during the Battle of Bentonville, and discuss the reproductions we have seen in many Civil War reenactments and motion pictures. Next, we will begin the process of recreating an authentic example from a reproductionContinue reading “The Pattern 53 Enfield Rifle Project: Recreating a Veteran of Bentonville”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
History Comes Alive: Reenactments at Bentonville Over Time
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”
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”
What’s On the Menu?
In our modern world when we think of Autumn, some of the more common things that come to mind are cooler weather, seasonal foods (who doesn’t love a pumpkin pie!), and the beauty of leaves changing colors. But what was important to the 19th century individual during the Autumn season? What were people likeContinue reading “What’s On the Menu?”
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”
But What About the Dead?
Raleigh National Cemetery and John Knapp By Rachel McLaughlin One question often asked on our Harper House tours is “But what about the dead?” People are often curious what the armies did with the remains of the fallen. The answer is simple: It was common to bury the Union and Confederate dead where they fell,Continue reading “But What About the Dead?”
Summer Is Here!
Summer has finally arrived at Bentonville, and we are so excited for all the things coming up at the site! We are premiering a new type of tour, we have two interns this summer and a living history event. It will for sure be an action-packed summer! Read below to see what we have toContinue reading “Summer Is Here!”
“Preserve – Educate – Explore:” Bites of Bentonville
The motto and driving goal at Bentonville is “Preserve – Educate – Explore” and the staff is always looking for new and innovative ways to make that a reality at the site. As summer rapidly approaches, one of the ways they are making that happen is through a new program called “Bites of Bentonville”. FridaysContinue reading ““Preserve – Educate – Explore:” Bites of Bentonville”
‘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”
Through A Soldier’s Eyes
As we approach the 159th anniversary of the battle of Bentonville, visitors will once again hear the ring of muskets and the roar of cannons. When the smoke clears, people will cheer and go about their day. But what was it like in 1865 when the smoke cleared in the Cole fields or in theContinue reading “Through A Soldier’s 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”
‘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”