The original Bennett farmhouse was destroyed by fire in 1921 and later reconstructed using historical records.
The surrender terms negotiated here were initially rejected by the U.S. government, requiring a second meeting to finalize a military-only agreement.
The site commemorates the 'surrender of 89,270 Confederate soldiers,' the largest such event in the Civil War.
James and Nancy Bennett, the original owners, were non-slaveholding farmers who suffered significant property loss during the opposing armies' encampments.
The Unity Monument, located on the grounds, was dedicated in 1923 to symbolize the reconciliation of the North and South.
Bennett Place is the site of the largest troop surrender of the American Civil War, occurring on April 26, 1865. Here, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and Union General William T. Sherman negotiated the end of hostilities for the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. The property contains a reconstructed farmhouse and outbuildings representative of a mid-19th-century Piedmont North Carolina homestead. It is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources historic sites network. The site commemorates the transition from conflict to peace through historical interpretation and preservation. Grounds feature walking trails that showcase the rural landscape of the period.
The front porch of the reconstructed Bennett farmhouse facing the open meadow.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the gravel paths and meadow trails.
Visit the visitor center first to view the introductory film before walking the grounds.
Check the official event calendar for living history demonstrations and reenactment weekends.
Do not attempt to enter the historic outbuildings without a staff guide or during unsupervised times.
Closed on Mondays and major state holidays.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site serves as a memorial to a significant historical event.
