This simple farmhouse was situated between Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's headquarters in Greensboro, and Union Gen. William T. Sherman's headquarters in Raleigh. In April 1865, the two commanders met at the Bennett Place, where they signed surrender papers for Southern armies in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. It was the largest troop surrender of the American Civil War.
Hours and Location
Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and most major holidays
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd.
Durham, NC 27705
Admission
Admission is free
Donations are appreciated
Guided Tours and Self-guided Tours
Visitors are welcome to join us for a stroll down the original Hillsborough Road as we share the stories of two generals meeting at the Bennett farm in April 1865. Visitors are taken inside the buildings and given detailed accounts of the discussions between General Sherman and General Johnston in putting an end to the war.
Tours are typically offered at 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00. Tours last about 45 minutes.
Visitors are also provided a site brochure map for self-guided tours.
Groups of ten or more are requested to call ahead for reservations.
Facilities
Historic Structures
The Bennett Farm has been fully reconstructed and restored to the way it would have appeared when General Sherman and General Johnston met here. The Bennett Home consists of three fully furnished rooms to include the parlor where they met to bring an end to the war. The kitchenhouse is fully furnished as it would have been during the daily life of the Bennett Family. A smokehouse and gardens add to the farmyard appearance of 1865.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center contains a museum gallery of three rooms of exhibits telling the story of the Bennett Family and the events encompassing the largest surrender of the American Civil War. Military weaponry, farm tools, and other Civil War artifacts are part of the collection on display. In addition, the Everett-Thissen Research Library contains more than 1,000 books, periodicals, and documents relating to the Civil War and the Bennett Family story. The theater shows the short orientation film, “Dawn of Peace” during operating hours.
Gift Shop
The Bennett Place Support Fund, Inc. operates an extensive gift shop inside the visitor center, which all proceeds from the sales go toward the funding of educational program, preservation, and the maintenance of the park. A large assortment of books on the American Civil War and North Carolina, coffee mugs, prints, puzzles, magnets, Christmas ornaments, flags, toy soldiers, handcrafted pottery, soaps, and candies are some of the many items in the store.
Monuments and Outdoor Exhibits
The Unity Monument dedicated in 1923 is the premiere monument dedicated to peace and the reunification of the United States. The Morgan Bench Memorial recognizes the contributions made by the Morgan family to preserve Bennett Place as a historic landmark. The Bandstand brought to the park in 1924 was a contribution by the Durham Rotary Club.
Nature Trails and Picnic Areas
There are walking trails through the forest of the Bennett Farm. Along the trails visitors can view plant life and wildlife, some plants that were present at the time the Bennett’s occupied the land. Benches and boardwalks built by Eagle Scouts and staff provide places to rest and cross remnants of the Ellerbe Creek. A picnic area provides visitors a respite to enjoy a meal or snack with friends and family.
Handicapped Accessibility
Bennett Place provides handicap parking as well as accessibility throughout the visitor center. There is a dirt pathway to the farm (approximately 50 yards), and there are steps to the doorway of the Bennett
Educational Programs, Special Events, and Group Activities
Throughout the year a variety of living history events take place at Bennett Place to include a commemorative anniversary event recognizing the largest surrender of the American Civil War. Other activities include Union Occupation, Road To Secession, Tarheels: Soldiers of the Old North State, Planting the Fields, and Christmas in the Carolinas During the Civil War.