Battle of Bentonville

The Battle of Bentonville was fought 19-21 March 1865 near Bentonville in Johnston County, North Carolina, and was the largest Civil War battle in the state during the war’s final months.

The site today is interpreted as a battlefield park with preserved earthworks, historic structures and an interpretive center that explains troop movements and the battle’s role in the Carolinas Campaign. Visitors can follow walking trails and driving routes that trace portions of the Union and Confederate lines.

Union forces under General William T. Sherman clashed with Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston in an attempt by Confederates to halt Sherman’s advance through the Carolinas. The battle ended with Confederate withdrawal and was one of the last large engagements of the American Civil War.

The battlefield lies in central-eastern North Carolina in Johnston County, a rural area east of the I-95 corridor and southeast of the Raleigh metropolitan area.

• Battle dates: The engagement took place on 19-21 March 1865 and is regarded as the largest Civil War battle fought in North Carolina.
• Commanders: Commanders were Union General William T. Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, and the fight was part of the closing operations of the Carolinas Campaign.

What to See #

• Visitor center and museum: A visitor center with interpretive exhibits and a short orientation film that explains the battle and the Carolinas Campaign.
• Harper House and battlefield positions: Harper House and several preserved field positions on the park grounds used as focal points on the site's walking trails and drives.