Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the 160^th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Bentonville. The Battle of Bentonville is presented once every five years. As such, our core goal is to host an event that is mutually beneficial to the battlefield, the Bentonville community, and the visiting public. Just as crucial is our dedication to prepare an event that will be both remarkable and memorable for you – the reenactor – without whom the event would not be possible! 

This packet contains basic event information, regulations, and registration materials. As preparations for this event have been underway for two years, we hope this packet will prepare you for the event. However, we understand that it may not address all your questions or concerns. In such cases, please do not hesitate to call or email the site directly.

This event will be held on portions of the original battlefield - located on both state and private property. This is hallowed ground. We expect the land to be treated accordingly, with due respect to private landowners, our historic property, and to the remnants of original trenches.

We look forward to seeing you all in March!

Colby Stevens
Site Manager, Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Directions

Bentonville Battlefield is located approximately 45 minutes southeast of Raleigh, North Carolina. Located in southern Johnston County, the site has marked exits on both I-95 (Exit 90) and I-40 (Exit 343). Both will bring you to the site on US Highway 701.

Address:

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
5466 Harper House Rd
Four Oaks, NC 27524

REGISTRATION

For additional information, download the Rules & Regulations for Reenactors.

Where to Register

All registration will be done here - Click to Register. The website will have the updated registration list. If there is an error, or if you do not see your name on the appropriate list, please contact the site directly. Event organizers have provided a PDF -- monthly update of registrations.

Confederate

$30: May 1 – December 30, 2024

$35: January 1 – March 1, 2025

• March 1, 2025: Confederate registration closes!!
• NO CONFEDERATE WALK-ONS WILL BE ALLOWED

Confederate registration is by invitation only. Only companies affiliated with the following organizations will be allowed to register: First Division, ANV, The Carolina Legion, Longstreet’s Corps, the Palmetto Battalion, the Mississippi battalions affiliated with the States Rights Guard Brigade, Cleburne’s Division, TVB (Tennessee Valley Battalion), TMVB (Trans Mississippi Volunteer Brigade), Meddich's Battalion/Jeff Davis Rifles, Red River Battalion, and the Southern Division.

Union

$30: May 1 – December 30, 2024

$35: January 1 – March 1, 2025
$40: Walk-ons

• Union registration is open to all units.

Civilian

$30: May 1 – December 30, 2024

$35: January 1 - March 1, 2025

$40: Walk-ons

• Civilian camp is located next to the union camp area.
• We strongly discourage civilians camping in military camps as historically both armies were on campaign.

Cavalry

$30: May 1 – December 30, 2024

$35: January 1 – March 1, 2025

$40: Walk-ons

All horses/mules arriving on site will be required to have a current Coggins certificate. Coggins certificates should be dated within the past year (March 14, 2024). Coggins papers and horses/mules will be inspected upon off-loading by inspectors near the registration tent. Spot check for Coggins papers can occur at any time during the event.

Horses brought on site without current Coggins papers will not be allowed to participate in the event and will be asked to leave the site. This regulation also applies to horses/mules coming on site from North Carolina.

Artillery

Closed - By Invitation Only

Miscellaneous

All registration forms must be postmarked by the appropriate date to be considered. Substitutions and add-ons will be allowed within registration deadlines. Substitutions must be arranged and confirmed prior to arrival at registration.

Registration for children under the age of 12 is free, but they must be registered. No persons under the age of 12 shall be permitted on the field of battle. Individuals between the ages of 12 and 16 may be permitted on the battlefield with the permission of the Battalion and/or overall Commander’s permission as functional drummers or fifers.

Amenities

All campsites are in heavily wooded areas; we encourage you to plan your tentage accordingly. Due to the volume of participants, vehicles are allowed in camp for 45 minutes to unload. Towing will be enforced for vehicles left in camp areas for an extended period of time. All vehicles will be out of camp by 8:00 am Saturday morning. Event sponsors will provide firewood, water, hand washing stations and Porta-lets. Depending on availability, bales of straw should be available for purchase at registration, cash only.

Clothing and Uniform Guidelines

The following guidelines are provided for all participating in the reenactment:

Confederate Uniform Guidelines
Union Uniform Guidelines
Civilian Guidelines
 

Meet your Commanders

Find our more about the Commanders for this 160th Reenactment here.

Read more about the 160th Civilian Coordinator for the event.
 

Reenactors Map for Bentonville Battlefield Event