Discover camp life and the role of the Civil War enlisted man in battle at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From cooking to cannon firing, the free program will illuminate some aspects of the Civil War.
Historians in period dress will demonstrate how Union and Confederate soldiers made meals, maintained weapons and uniforms and trained for battle. For information please call (910) 594-0789
Artillery fire is a popular highlight of Civil War events, and visitors will get to speak with members of Andrew's Battery about typical artillery practices during the war. Demonstrations will be held three times during the program. One soldier during the Bentonville battle said the cannon fire was "so loud we had to yell to make our nearest neighbor understand us, while the ground trembled under our feet." The concentrated fire power helped secure a Union victory.
Common infantry tactics will also be on display as the 1st NC/11th NC Volunteers and the 18th NC/9th NJ take the field to demonstrate how the typical Civil War soldier fought in battle. Visitors will also see the re-enactors fire reproduction rifles, including an example of a Henry repeating rifle, a 16-shot per minute rifle that was used by Union soldiers during the battle of Bentonville.
The Battle of Bentonville on March 19-21, 1865, involved 80,000 troops and was the last Confederate offensive against Union Gen. William T. Sherman. Bentonville Battlefield interprets the battle and field hospital, where many Confederates were left in the aftermath.
Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville.