The Harper House was converted into a Union hospital despite the family still residing on the second floor during the battle.
More than 600 soldiers were treated at the Harper House field hospital, which functioned as a medical facility for several weeks after the fighting ceased.
The battlefield is home to a Confederate mass grave site containing the remains of over 300 soldiers identified by name and state.
The Battle of Bentonville was the last major battle of the Civil War where the Confederate Army of Tennessee maintained an offensive posture.
The site features a rare preserved section of intact field fortifications constructed by Confederate troops in March 1865.
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the location of the largest Civil War battle fought in North Carolina, occurring from March 19-21, 1865. The site encompasses 2,000 acres of the original 6,000-acre battlefield where Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston attempted to halt Union General William T. Sherman's advance. The focal point of the property is the Harper House, which served as a Union field hospital during and after the conflict. Visitors can explore marked hiking trails that wind through preserved earthworks, gun positions, and the site of the failed Confederate last-ditch counterattack. The site features a museum and visitor center housing artifacts, maps, and primary documents detailing the logistics and human toll of the battle. The landscape remains largely rural, maintaining its 19th-century agricultural appearance to reflect its historical context.
The front porch of the historic Harper House, which offers a clear view of the surrounding landscape.
Download the site map from the official website before arrival, as cell service can be spotty in the rural sections of the park.
Bring bug spray and sunscreen if planning to hike the longer trail loops, as most of the battlefield is open, unshaded terrain.
Visit the Harper House first, as staff tours provide essential context for the surrounding earthworks.
Do not attempt to explore the woods outside of marked trails due to potential hazards and site protection regulations.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays; also closed on major state holidays.
Respect the memorial areas and historical earthworks; do not climb on or disturb soil fortifications or grave markers.
