The downstairs rooms of the Harper House interpret a functioning Civil War field hospital.

Facilities:
Historic Structures: The Harper House (ca. 1855) is furnished as a Civil War field hospital. The site also includes a reconstructed kitchen and slave quarters. Please note that the Harper House at Bentonville Battlefield will be closed from April 17-May 15, 2006 because of repainting.  

Visitor Center: The visitor center features a 10-minute audiovisual program explaining the events leading up to the Battle of Bentonville. The center also displays artifacts from the battlefield and maps of troop movement during the three days of fighting.

Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits: Features include a 1/4-mile trail along the Federal XX Corps reserve trenches, the Harper family cemetery, a Confederate mass grave, the North Carolina monument, the Texas monument, the Goldsboro Rifles monument (ca. 1893), and a field fortification exhibit.

The upstairs rooms of the Harper House feature period domestic furnishings. The Harper children remained at home with their parents when the house was taken over by the Federal XIV Army Corps for use as a field hospital.

Handicapped Accessibility: The visitor center is fully accessible. The Harper House and outbuildings have steps and are accessible with assistance.

Picnic Facilities: Tables are available on the grounds.

Gift Shop: A gift shop is located in the visitor center with items related to Bentonville and the Civil War.

Programs, Group Activities:
Special events are scheduled near the anniversary of the battle in March. Summer seasonal living history programs occur in July and August.

Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Harper House and outbuildings are scheduled on the hour throughout the day. We ask that groups make reservations in advance.

Fees: No admission fees. Donations are accepted.

Directions:
From Interstate 95 in Smithfield exit onto U.S. 701 (Exit 90). Follow the signs south on U.S. 701 approximately fifteen miles to Harper House Road (State Road 1008). Turn left and go two and one-half miles; Bentonville Battlefield is on the left.

From Interstate 40 exit onto U.S. 701 (Exit 343). Follow the signs north on U.S. 701 to Newton Grove. At the traffic circle in Newton Grove, continue north on U.S. 701 for approximately three miles. Turn right on Harper House Road (State Road 1008). Go two and one-half miles and the site is on the left. MAP

Photos by Mark A. Moore

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