Thousands expected to descend on Bentonville for anniversary of last major Civil War battle
By From staff reports
Published in News on September 8, 2014 1:46 PM
Thousands of military living historians from across the country will descend on the Bentonville Battlefield next spring to re-enact the last major battle of the Civil War.
On March 21-22, 2015 Confederate and Union re-enactors will re-create the Battle of Bentonville, the largest battle ever 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.
Advance tickets went on sale Sept. 1.
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.
Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children aged nine to12. After March 15, and at the gate (if available), tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children nine to12. Children aged eight and under can attend free.
A discounted combination two-day ticket is also available during advanced sales only ($20 for adults and $10 for children aged nine 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. For more information, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm or call 910-594-0789.