Trenches in the woods behind this marker formed the extreme right of the Union line on March 20. This sector was occupied by the XVII Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair.
Topics Related to Johnston County
Sherman's headquarters were located in the field 400 yards to the rear of this marker, March 20-21, 1865. Headquarters of the XVII Corps, which included Mower's Division, were 250 yards to the left rear.
After withdrawing from the advance against Mill Creek Bridge, Mower's Federals reformed here and threw up works. This was the extreme right of the Union line on March 21. Earthworks remain.
Advancing toward Mill Creek Bridge, Johnston's only line of retreat, Maj.Gen. J. A. Mower's Union Division broke the Confederate line near this point, March 21. Mower's Division reached a point 200 yards from Johnston's headquarters before it was driven back by Confederate infantry and cavalry.
Near this point Gen. William J. Hardee led the charge of the 8th Texas Cavalry and other Confederates, repulsing the advance of Mower's Division, March 21, 1865.
Established here on the night of March 18, 1865 and remained during the battle. Mower's Division came within 200 yards of this point in the Union assault of March 21.
The flooded state of this creek upstream prevented an attack by Wheeler's Confederate cavalry on the rear of Sherman's Army, March 19, 1865. A bridge here was the Confederates' sole line of retreat after the battle.
Remains of breastworks on this hill mark a line of works built by the Confederates to protect Mill Creek Bridge.
In 1865, a local market center for naval stores (tar, pitch, & turpentine). Bentonville gives its name to the battle fought nearby, March 19-21, 1865. Confederates concentrated here the day before the battle. As they retreated on March 22, they burned all stocks of naval stores. Union forces occupied the village, March 22-24.
Crossed the road at this point, March 20-21. Gen. R. F. Hoke's Division occupied this sector. Scene of much skirmishing but no heavy fighting. Earthworks remain.