On March 15-16, 2025, thousands of living historians from across the country descended on Bentonville Battlefield for the 160th Anniversary Reenactment of North Carolina’s largest battle.

Bentonville Living History Live Painting of Harper House during 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.

Over 2,000 reenactors participated in the event, making it one of the country’s largest reenactments in 2025. 

Calvary Charge at Bentonville 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.

In addition to the daily battles, the event featured free lectures, 19th living-history displays, period music, and dozens of “sutlers” selling Civil War-related items.

Sutlers Camp during 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.

The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, involved 80,000 troops in one of the last major actions of the war. A patched-together Confederate army under the command of Gen. Joseph Johnston failed to halt Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s advance through eastern North Carolina, eventually leading to the largest Confederate surrender of the war at Bennett Place near Durham weeks later.

Cannon Fire during Battle at Bentonville 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.

The battle scenarios on Saturday (Sunday's activities were canceled due to severe weather and safety concerns) were the only activity that required tickets; the rest of the event was free for the public to attend.

Soldiers in Camp during 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.

Visitors could explore the soldier’s camps and enjoy other activities including lectures, displays, Harper House tours, music, demonstrations, and more, free of charge.

Living history events at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site in Four Oaks, NC.

The 2025 event was sponsored by the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield, Inc., the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Living History Demos with Family at Bentonville 160th Reenactment

All proceeds from the event supported Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, with a portion of earnings earmarked towards a capital campaign for a new visitor center for the site.  

Reenactors in Camp during Bentonville 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.

Bentonville Battlefield is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. 

Living History Activity with Family at Bentonville 160th Reenactment

For more information, visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bentonville-battlefield or call (910) 594-0789.

Soldier in Camp during 160th Reenactment, Four Oaks, NC.