I have wanted to come to the reenactment for years, gone numerous times to Duke but never ventured to find Bennett Place.I hope I can next year and bring all of my children and grandchildren. I believe they would enjoy it.

Thank you,

Sandra G.Carnes

Bennett Place is in the process of revising its museum gallery in preparation for the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the American Civil War. We invite any interested donors who would like to contribute personal items of Civil War soldiers and civilians who relate to the Surrender, General Johnston’s Army and General Sherman’s Army. If interested please contact the Bennett Place Site Manager. Thank you.

John Guss, Site Manager

Mr. Bennett’s first name was James, not David. His wife’s name was Nancy, unlike some misnamings I have read by reknown authors.

There are also 37 acres of preserved property by the state of North Carolina rather than just four. It would have been grand if our forefathers had preserved much more property considering Mr. Bennett’s farm ranged close to 200 acres.

The site itself contains much more than what was written above. The Visitor Center has a full gift shop with more than 50 book titles to choose from, signature merchandise of Bennett Place, Civil War and 19th century era toys, and much more.

The museum contains numerous artifacts and exhibits telling the story of the Bennett family and the Civil War. Dawn of Peace is a 17 minute film presentation telling the story of the events which occurred at Bennett Place.

A reference library contains more than 2,500 volumes of books and reference materials. The library is open for those interested in doing research.

The monument which stands most significant on the site is the Unity Monument. It is one of the most poignant memorials of all Civil War sites.

Bennett Place State Historic Site also includes picnic areas and nature trails for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the site and reflect.

So there is much more to see than was previously written.

Indeed, General Robert E. Lee was a great commander of the Confederacy. However, when compared to General Joseph E. Johnston, it was Johnston who volunteered to come back to help the cause after being dismissed and he had to reassemble a dimoralized and disjointed army that had been decimated in Tennessee. He was also tactically smart enough not to allow his army to be surrounded unlike Lee at Appomattox. Johnston was of strong enough character and military experience to make the decision to meet Sherman in spite of President Jefferson Davis’ orders.

Both generals were great. Both Appomattox and Bennett Place are equally significant. They should both continue to be preserved as part of America’s national historic treasures.

By the way, there is no portrait of Sherman over the mantle of hte original Bennett home fireplace.

Eric

When my wife was growing up, she lived for a time in the house Johnston used as headquarters during negotiations, making it known to this day as The Johnston House.

This house was bought recently, moved into downtown Hillsborough and renovated. My mother-in-law toured the house and came out as indignant as only an affronted Southern woman could be, her fists clenched, her hair on fire, muttering, “That family lost seven sons in the war and they must be spinning in their graves to have that man glaring down on their parlor.”

The family who had renovated the house, Yankees no doubt, had placed a portrait of Sherman over the mantle.