Discover camp life and the role of the Civil War enlisted man in battle at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site on Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In this program, 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 or visit www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm.
Artillery fire is a popular highlight of Civil War events, and visitors on June 13 will get a chance to speak with members of Starr’s Battery about typical artillery practices during the war. Demonstrations will be held three times during the program. One soldier at 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 Union’s concentrated fire power helped secure victory in the battle.
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 get a chance to 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.
