Bentonville
Other Names: Bentonsville
Location: Johnston County
Campaign: Campaign of the Carolinas (February-April 1865)
Date(s): March
19-21, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman and
Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS]
Forces Engaged: Sherman’s Right Wing (XX and XIV Corps)
[US]; Johnston's Army [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 4,738 total (US 1,646; CS 3,092)
Description: While Slocum’s advance was
stalled at Averasborough by Hardee’s troops, the right wing of Sherman’s army under command of Maj. Gen.
O.O. Howard marched toward Goldsborough. On March 19, Slocum encountered
the entrenched Confederates of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston who had concentrated to
meet his advance at Bentonville. Late afternoon, Johnston attacked, crushing the line of
the XIV Corps. Only strong counterattacks and desperate fighting south of the Goldsborough Road blunted the Confederate
offensive. Elements of the XX Corps were thrown into the action as they arrived
on the field. Five Confederate attacks failed to dislodge the Federal defenders
and darkness ended the first day’s fighting. During the night, Johnston contracted his line into a “V” to
protect his flanks with Mill Creek to his rear. On March 20, Slocum was heavily
reinforced, but fighting was sporadic. Sherman was inclined to let Johnston retreat. On the 21st, however, Johnston remained in position while he
removed his wounded. Skirmishing heated up along the entire front. In the
afternoon, Maj. Gen. Joseph Mower led his Union division along a narrow trace
that carried it across Mill Creek into Johnston’s rear. Confederate
counterattacks stopped Mower’s advance, saving the army’s only line of
communication and retreat. Mower withdrew, ending fighting for the day. During
the night, Johnston retreated across the bridge at
Bentonville. Union forces pursued at first light, driving back Wheeler’s
rearguard and saving the bridge. Federal pursuit was halted at Hannah’s Creek
after a severe skirmish. Sherman, after regrouping at
Goldsborough, pursued Johnston toward Raleigh. On April 18, Johnston signed an armistice with Sherman at the Bennett House, and on
April 26, formally surrendered his army.
Result(s): Union victory
CWSAC Reference #: NC020
Preservation Priority: I.1 (Class A)