Above photo: Photo of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, 1861-5, Mathew Brady. Courtesy U.S. National Archives via Wikipedia Commons. Right: Harper House at Bentonville Battlefield. Courtesy America's Best History.

Bentonville Battlefield Then

Sherman was chasing the Confederate Army north, having just engaged in a smaller battle several days before fifteen miles southwest at Averasboro. For General Johnston, he was attempting to reach Goldsboro, and had concocted a trap to at least slow the Union Army down so it could reach Lee's beleaguered colleagues in Petersburg first. A hook shaped line formed along the Goldsboro Road, and Sherman's left wing jumped into the trap. With plenty of bungles by oft criticized Confedereate General Bragg, the attack finally started late, pushing General Carlin's 14th Corps division off the field; his mate, General Morgan, with another division, held on, despite being surrounded on three sides. As the day dwindled, the 20th Corps of the Union Army held steady at the Morris Farm. March 19 was a tactical draw.

On March 20, 1865, Sherman managed to get his other Corps, the 20th completely to the battlefield. This swelled his forces to sixty thousand while the Confederates had only twenty thousand, including cavalry. There was sharp skirmishing and changes of position. By the end of the day, the Confederates started to cross Mill Creek to escape. Despite this, General Sherman was surprised the next morning that a significant number of Southern troops were still on the field. He no longer wanted a battle here. Troops under General Mower, however, pursued the Confederates, and was met with a counterattack that nearly blew that strategy. Confederate General Hardee had been successful at protecting the Mill Creek Bridge, which he needed for a retreat.

Sherman took over Goldsboro and awaited more troops for his next battle with Johnston's forces. General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House made there no need for another battle.

Photo above: Engraving of the Battle of Bentonville, 1865, Unknown author. Courtesy Library of Congress. Photo below: Wayside and battlefield at High Tide Position of the Confederate Army. Courtesy America's Best History.

Bentonville Battlefield Now

The Bentonville Battlefield has been growing and with its successful and large reenactments with three thousand participants and up to fifty thousand visitors, taking its rightful place amongst the battles of the Civil War. Today, between the state and the American Battlefield Trust, more than 2,000 acres have been saved, interpreted, with a vibrant presence among school groups and history buffs. A Visitor Center, the Harper House, trails, and many waysides pay tribute to the soldiers of both sides, who fought a battle near the end of the war.

Minute Walk in History
Battle of Bentonville

Take a drive and walk around the battlefield of North Carolina's largest Civil War battle, the Battle of Bentonville, as General Sherman chased and attempted to destroy the Confederate Army under General Joseph Johnston. This battle occurred on March 19-21, 1865 as General Grant sieged Petersburg and Richmond. This guided tour by the park historian explains how the laxity of Confederate General Braxton Bragg once again cost the Southern Army time and therefore, a better chance for victory. The end was nearing anyway, but this fascinating battlefield, a state park, is one that should be visited to fully understand the end of the Civil War.