Bentonville program on 'Day in the Life' of Civil War soldier
By From staff reports
Published in News on June 3, 2012 1:50 AM
FOUR OAKS -- Visitors are encouraged to discover the camp life and the role of the Civil War enlisted man in battle at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
In the first of three free summer 2nd Saturday programs, historians in period dress will demonstrate how Union and Confederate soldiers made meals, maintained weapons and uniforms, and trained for battle at the program
Artillery fire is a popular highlight of Civil War events, and visitors on June 9 will see the firing of a three inch Ordnance Rifle, a typical Civil War cannon. 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 ultimately gave them the victory in the battle. During the program, artillery firings will be at 11:30 a.m., 1;30 and 3:30 p.m., while infantry drill with small arms demonstrations will be at 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
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.
2nd Saturday programs will be held at the 27 State Historic Sites and seven history museums within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources on June 9, July 14 and August 11. Usually free family fun will present arts, history, and/or music as each venue creates its own authentic experience.
Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, about 20 miles west of Goldsboro.
For more information, call (910) 594-0789 or visit www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm.