I had no idea the surprise I would find about my family history that day. It was a nice summer’s day. We were driving from the Outer Banks to Raleigh, North Carolina. We approached a sign saying, “Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, next exit.” Having some extra time before our airplane took off, we took the exit onto the country road to see the battlefield. I didn’t know much about this Civil War battle and how I was personally connected to it.

General Joseph E. Johnston, Bentonville Battleground State Historic Park, North CarolinaPhoto byGenerations Found YouTube

The Battle

At Bentonville, from March 19th - 21st, 1865, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and what remained of the Confederate army attacked Union General William T. Sherman’s army, in what was the last large-scale battle of the Civil War.

General Joseph E. Johnston, Confederate ArmyPhoto byPublic Domain / Generations Found YouTube

The Union Army was Victorious. After the defeat, Johnston and his army moved further into North Carolina and surrendered a month later at Bennett Place outside of Durham. The war was soon declared over.

General Sherman, Union ArmyPhoto byPublic Domain / Generations Found YouTube

Our Visit

The main part of the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site consists of a visitor center, the Harper House, enslaved quarters, graveyard, and many monuments.

See video about Bentonville below

It was one of those monuments that caught my eye (see picture below). This particular monument is in memory of Union Soldiers of the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 20th Corps who served during the Battle of Bentonville. Representing several states. One of them being Iowa.

Monument at the main area of Bentonville Battlefield State Historic SitePhoto byGenerations Found YouTube

My 3x great grandfather fought in the Iowa Infantry. I thought to myself, what if he was here during that battle .

I ran inside and spoke with the park ranger. Sure enough, he was here and fought with Sherman. She was able to tell me right where he was and how his division traveled through the battlefield.

Not only was he there. But he followed Sherman to Washington D.C. for the Grand Review of the Armies.

Grand Review of the Armies, Washington D.CPhoto byPublic Domain / Generations Found YouTube

The Grand Review of the Armies was a military procession and celebration in Washington, D.C., on May 23–24, 1865. To celebrate the Union victory in the Civil War.

Meaning my 3x grandfather was in that parade through the streets of the capital to receive accolades from the crowds, officials, and prominent citizens. This included President Andrew Johnson.

Moral

The moral of the story is you should go off the beaten path to explore. You could discover things that you less expect to find.

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