Topics Related to Civil War

Wild’s Raid to be Honored with Highway Historical Marker in Elizabeth City

An important but long-overlooked event from the Civil War in North Carolina soon will get a new North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in Elizabeth City.

Wild’s Raid, which saw about 2,000 African American soldiers conduct reconnaissance patrols and attacks in northeastern North Carolina from Dec. 5-25, 1863, was the first time United States soldiers of color conducted major operations in North Carolina.

Civil War Infantry the focus of Bentonville’s 'Life on Campaign'

 Recollections of men hardened by four years of war tell the story of the intense fighting at Bentonville, mere weeks before the American Civil War’s end.

“I was never under such a terrible storm of bullets in all my life,” recalled one veteran of the Battle of Bentonville, referring to the fierce rifle fire he had survived on March 19, 1865.

But there was more to being a foot soldier than fighting. The role of infantrymen in the American Civil War will be displayed on Sept. 18 at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site during “Life on Campaign.”

'Days Gone By' Program at Somerset Place Aug. 14

Summer is here, flowers and centuries-old trees are in full bloom, and cool breezes from Lake Phelps stave off the stifling heat. The 10th annual “Days Gone By” living history event at Somerset Place State Historic Site offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy this beautiful weather.

Cannons to Boom at Bentonville for 'Heavy Thunder'

Eyewitnesses to the battle of Bentonville likened the noise of the fight to “one continuous peel of heavy thunder.” Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will look to recreate that noise on August 21 during an event called “Heavy Thunder.” Historians will explain how multiple artillery pieces functioned in the battle. Visitors can learn the different ways artillery was used in combat and how cannons were loaded and fired.

Embrace History and Nature at July 4 Events

Savor history and nature at a state park, aquarium or the zoo July 4 weekend. Numerous activities are planned across the state that coincide with Independence Day.

Fort Fisher Historic Site to Debut Lumbee Indian Exhibit June 29

Fort Fisher State Historic Site will debut “A Memory A People Could Not Forget: Lumbee Indians at Fort Fisher” on Tues., June 29. This new exhibit depicts the contributions and remarkable story of Lumbee Indians at Fort Fisher.

Juneteenth observances set across the state

 In honor of Juneteenth, numerous N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites across the state will feature events and tours throughout the month of June.

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and ensure that all enslaved people were now free. It celebrates the official end of slavery in the United States.

Commemorate Juneteenth at the State Capitol

The North Carolina State Capitol will host a community art collaboration on historic Union Square, Saturday, June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth. In 2020, the City of Raleigh designated Juneteenth as a city holiday celebrating the official end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.

'Bentonville in Bloom' to Showcase the Battlefield’s Natural Resources

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is thrilled to announce a new program scheduled for Saturday, May 15 called “Bentonville in Bloom.” This spring event will showcase the natural resources and wildlife that call Bentonville home. 

As battlefield preservation has grown to over 2,000 acres, the wildlife found within those acres have also been conserved. “Bentonville in Bloom” will provide visitors with a chance to learn more about the ecosystem from experts on the flora and fauna of eastern North Carolina.

Bentonville Anniversary Commemoration Goes Virtual

The anniversary commemoration of the largest battle ever fought on North Carolina soil will have a different look this year. For the first time, visitors will be able to enjoy demonstrations, presentations, and tours all from the comfort of their own homes.

“Since we aren’t able to gather in large crowds at this time, we felt that this would be the best possible way to honor the men who fought in the battle along with the civilians who suffered because of it,” said Programs Coordinator Chad Jefferds, regarding taking the event online.