140th Bentonville
The 140th Anniversary Battle of Bentonville was held March 19 -20, 2005 on the original North Carolina battlefield. An estimated 2500 reenactors and 40,000 spectators enjoyed the event. The original battle occured on March 19 - 21, 1865. It was the largest battle ever fought in North Carolina and considered the last Confederate tactical offensive as Johnston attempted to stop Sherman's march through the Carolinas. The original 33rd NJ fought here with the XX Corps. Thanks to the 33rd NJ for having us along, it was a great weekend.
Saturday morning's tactical was held on acres of cotton fields. The soft, sandy soil made walking difficult and tiring.
5th Company slogs into the tactical battle while a battalion on our right says hello to the Rebs.
We had a ways to go...
Still advancing to the front, but getting closer.
Confederate guns open Saturday afternoon's battle.
Our company huddles behind some brush as the Rebs approach. Some of these boys don't seem too concerned.
We dug these entrenchments for Sunday's battle. In about a half-hour the boys could stand and fire from the cover of the trench. Try that same feat in good old Pennsylavania though!
Lieutenant must be trying to impress Sherman. A nice shot of our camp though.
Lieut. and wife in front of the Harper House. The house was present at the battle, serving as a Union XIV Corps hospital. 360 Confederate soldiers are buried in a mass grave on the property.
A great shot of the company in camp.
Capt. Berg and the 33rd NJ following a poignant ceremony they held at the still-existing XX Corps entrenchments.
