FOUR OAKS — Thousands of military living historians from across the country will descend on Bentonville Battlefield March 21-22, 2015, to become Confederate and Union soldiers in the last major battle reenactment in the Civil War’s 150th anniversary commemoration. They will re-create one of the largest battle fought on North Carolina soil. The public is invited to watch all of the action.
Nearly 5,000 re-enactors are expected for the two-day event. In addition to the daily battles, the weekend will feature free lectures, 19th century medical displays, period music and dozens of “sutlers,” selling Civil War related wares. Advanced tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are on sale now.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.150thbentonville.com, at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, or by calling (910) 594-0789. Checks can be mailed to Bentonville 150th Event Tickets, P.O. Box 211, Newton Grove, NC 28366.
Tickets for the re-enactment are limited and advance purchase is strongly encouraged to guarantee availability. Fewer tickets are available this year as event organizers are trying to maximize the visitor’s viewing opportunities. Although the large size of the re-enactment does not allow for all of the battle to be seen by each visitor, the experience should be even better than in years past.
Advanced tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children aged 9 to 12. After March 15, and at the gate (if available), tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children 9 to 12. Children aged 8 and under attend free. A discounted combination two-day ticket is also available during advanced sales only ($20 for adults and $10 for children aged 9 to 12.)
The battle scenarios Saturday and Sunday are the only events that require tickets. All other activities at the 150th anniversary event — lectures, house tours, music, demonstrations and more — are free to the public.
The 2015 event is sponsored by the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield Inc., North Carolina State Historic Sites and Properties, the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and the Johnston County Visitors Bureau. Bentonville’s re-enactment is part of North Carolina’s Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration. All proceeds from the event support Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site with a percentage to be used for improvements of the site’s visitor center.
The Battle of Bentonville, fought 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, 3 miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. For more information, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi or call (910) 594-0789.