On April 26, 1865, Confederate General Joseph Johnston's surrendered his force of nearly 90,000 troops to U.S. Army Major General William Sherman. The two generals and their staff met three times at James and Nancy Bennett's farmhouse in rural Orange County, North Carolina. The surrender laid out here was by far the largest and ended the war in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
Now, 159 years later, join us to commemorate the reunion of the nation that occurred at Bennett Place. Join costumed interpreters and learn more about military and civilian life during the Civil War.
Be sure to come back in the evening for our new, free event commemorating the end of slavery in North Carolina.
Accessibility Information: This program occurs outdoors on a grass field that may be muddy if we receive rain within 48 hours of the event. Some displays will be placed inside historic buildings with 2 or 3 steps up. The buildings are approximately 150 yards from the visitor center. Musket demonstrations will occur during the event. Ear plugs are available. Bennett Place restrooms each have one stall with grab bars, but please note the stall is not wide enough for wheelchairs to turn or approach the toilet from an angle. Please contact us with any accessibility questions.