Thank you for your interest in the 145th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Bentonville. As you know, the Battle of Bentonville is presented only once every five years. It is our goal to present an event that is mutually beneficial to the battlefield, the Bentonville community, and the visiting public. It is also our goal to prepare an event, which will be both remarkable and memorable for you – the reenactor –without whom this event would be impossible! This packet contains basic event information, regulations, and registration materials. While we hope that this packet will prepare you for this event, we understand that it may not address all of your questions or concerns. In such cases, please remember that we are as close as your telephone or computer keyboard, and will be happy to assist you. Sponsors Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the Bentonville Battlefield Historical Association, Inc. (BBHA) and the Johnston County Visitors Bureau are sponsors for this event. All proceeds from this event go directly to the BBHA to support its continuing efforts to preserve and interpret Bentonville Battlefield. The Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department has been granted sole food concession for the event. All proceeds from concessions will benefit the BVFD and the Bentonville community. The Event Site This event will be held on portions of the original battlefield and both State Historic Site and private property will be utilized for the event. Our agreement with private landowners for this event extends the authority of State Historic Site personnel and event staff to all private property used during the event. Needless to say, this is hallowed ground. We expect the land to be treated accordingly, with due respect to private landowners and historic property. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is located approximately 45 minutes southeast of Raleigh, North Carolina. Located in southern Johnston County, the site has marked exits on both I-95 (Exit 90) and I-40 (Exit 343). Both exits will bring you to the site on US Highway 701. More specific maps will be provided in a secondary mailing. Registration Confederate registration for this event is by invitation only. Only companies affiliated with the following Confederate organizations will be allowed to register for this event: First Division, ANV; The Carolina Legion; Longstreet’s Corps; the Palmetto Battalion; the Mississippi battalions affiliated with the States Rights Guard Brigade and Cleburne’s Division. Federal registration is open to all Federal Units. Registration rates are as follows: - $ 8.00 per individual (military or civilian) until January 1, 2010. - $10.00 per individual (military or civilian) from January 2 through February 28, 2010. Confederate Registration will be closed after January 31, 2010! All other registration will close on February 28, 2010. All registration forms must be postmarked by the appropriate date to be considered. The event website: www.bentonville145.com will post the updated registration lists as we receive them. If there is an error, or if you do not see your name on the appropriate list, please contact the event organizers before you arrive at the event to clear up any problems. Registration for children under the age of 12 is free, but they must be registered. Substitutions will be allowed at registration. "Add-ons" to previous unit registrations will be permitted, provided that the names are sent with payment in accordance to the registration schedule given above. AGAIN, absolutely no Confederate walk-ons! Federal walk-on registration will be $15.00. Campaign Impressions The Carolinas Campaign of 1865 lends itself to campaign impressions, and we encourage campaigner units to register for this event. All efforts will be made to accommodate campaigner units with appropriate camps within the designated camp areas. All camps are wooded, so this should pose no great problem. We insist that campaigner units work within the pre-established command structure. Respective Union and Confederate "campaign battalion" commanders (or coordinators) will be selected at a later date. Units who initiate or participate in unapproved activities, battles, etc., will be asked to leave the event. We will gladly work with you as best we can, provided your requests are made known to us far enough in advance. The Battles The following military engagements are scheduled: - "Last Grand Charge of the Army of Tennessee & Morgan’s Stand" – Saturday, March 20: A massive Confederate offensive (the last grand charge of the Army of Tennessee) at 2:45 p.m. on March 19, 1865 routed the First Division, XIV Corps (Carlin) and isolated the Second Division, XIV Corps (Morgan) south of the Old Goldsboro Road. The swampy, dense briar infested area or otherwise known, as the "Bull Pen" did not allow either side to bring in artillery support, thus hand-to-hand combat ensued. Despite being assailed repeatedly from three sides by elements of Hoke, Hill division and for the duration of the afternoon, Morgan’s division held its position in what has been described as some of the most desperate fighting witnessed in the Civil War. This event is tentatively scheduled for 3:00 p.m. - "The Fight at Morris Farm" – Sunday, March 21: With Carlin’s division routed and Morgan’s division isolated below the Old Goldsboro Road, Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum concentrated arriving units of the XX Corps on the Reddick Morris farm. Late in the afternoon, Confederate Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee launched a series of assaults on the Morris Farm position against twenty- one pieces of Union field artillery and against several Union brigades in a desperate attempt to break the thin Federal line. This scenario is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Civilian Activities The establishment of a separate, authentic civilian or refugee camp is required for authenticity and the convenience of civilians and their families. Civilian camps will be centered in and around the Harper House (c. 1855), which was used during the battle as a field hospital for the Union XIV Corps. We strongly discourage civilians in the military camps for reasons of historical accuracy (both armies were on campaign). Furthermore, we anticipate that space within the military camps will be at a premium. All civilian activities will be concentrated in the vicinity of the Harper House. . A dance will be held on Saturday evening, with music provided by the Huckleberry Brothers. Instructional classes on period dance will be held prior to the dance. Specialty Impressions Reenactors portraying members of the opposite sex should not be visible from a distance of 10 feet. Long hair may not be stuffed under a hat; a wig or short hair cut is acceptable. Long nails, nail polish, earrings or any sort of jewelry (with the exception of wedding bands) is prohibited. Modern makeup is prohibited with the exception of makeup to disguise or make one appear more masculine (such as a "5 o’clock shadow). Loose fitting clothing is recommended. Holding hands or "romantic fraternizing" with a gentleman while in the guise of a soldier during interpretive hours or in view of the public is strongly discouraged. In the 1860’s, if a woman was recognized as such in the ranks, she was immediately "discharged." If your impression does not adequately disguise your gender at this event, the Event Coordinator reserves the right to request that you change into appropriate attire. Those who refuse will be asked to leave the event. Robert E. Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson, A.P. Hill, U.S. Grant, and Abraham Lincoln were not present at the Battle of Bentonville, March 1865. Needless to say, we do not expect them to grace us with their presence in March 2010. If these gentlemen do chose to visit, they will be asked to alter their impression to fit the Carolinas Campaign, or to return to their original theater of operations. Artillery Artillery bounties shall be posted as follows: - $200 per horse-drawn gun. - $100 per static gun. Each gun (including ammunition chest & implements) will be inspected prior to participation in any event. Certified 19th Century artillery North Carolina State Historic Site staff members will conduct inspections. An inspection checklist will be forwarded to each gun upon its registration. Guns not passing inspection forfeit all bounties and will not be allowed to fire during the event. Registration will be limited to six (6) guns per side, no Mountain Howitzers. Confederate artillery played no role in the fighting at the Reddick Morris Farm (Sunday’s scenario). As we are trying to accurately portray the fight at the Morris Farm no Confederate artillery will be used for Sunday’s battle. However, Confederate guns capable of portraying Union artillery may be asked to do so for the Morris Farm scenario and priority will be given to units who are willing to galvanize. As battlefield access is the same for spectators and reenactors, artillery will be required to be in place a minimum of two (2) hours prior to each battle to assure the safety of our visitors. This includes both towed and horse drawn. Gators, ATV’s, etc. are permissible for moving artillery into place and back to camp only. These vehicles are not permissible for any other use (trips to the sutler, portajohns, etc.) due to liability issues. Cavalry Cavalry units were not engaged in either of the actions selected as spectator battles for this event. Accordingly, cavalry will not be employed as such in either of the spectator battles. For the benefit of cavalry units in attendance cavalry demonstration prior to the public battles, will be organized. No shotguns allowed at this event for any branch of service. Horses All horses arriving on site will be required to have a current Coggins certificate. Coggins certificates should be dated within the past year (March 22, 2010). Coggins papers and horses will be inspected upon off-loading by inspectors near the registration tent. Spot check for Coggins papers can occur at anytime during the event. Horses brought on site without current Coggins papers will not be allowed to participate in the event and will be asked to leave the site. This regulation applies to horses coming on site from within North Carolina as well. It is the responsibility of unit commanders to disseminate this requirement to each member of their unit that will be bringing horses to the event. Veterinarians will be on call in case of emergency. Event sponsors will provide one bale of hay per horse for March 20 & 21 (total of two bales per horse for the event). Phones The emergency phone number for this event is (910) 594-0789. This is the primary line for Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. Site personnel and event staff will relay messages only in the case of actual emergencies (i.e., death or illness). Please tell your family which unit/brigade/sutlery and etc. you belong so we can get the message out to you as soon as possible. Camps & Amenities Camps will open for military and civilian participants at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 18, 2010. Sutlers, Divisional & Headquarters staff members may begin arriving on site at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. All military campsites are in heavily wooded areas; we encourage you to plan your tentage accordingly. We do allow for period family camping within the military camp at the discretion of the overall commanders. Loading and unloading schedules will be included in the follow-up packet. Event sponsors will provide firewood, water, and Porta-lets. Bales of straw will be available for purchase at registration. RULES & REGULATIONS 1. North Carolina General Statute G.S. 124-4 states that a person may not disobey an order of the historic site manager when that order is related to the preservation of historical material, the protection of historic sites property, the safety and well- being of the visiting public, or the equality of access of all citizens to the resources of the site. 2. North Carolina General Statutes 70-12(3), 70-15, 70-16, 70-17 prohibit digging, excavating, disturbing the ground, or the collection of artifacts on State property, including Bentonville Battlefield. Violations may result in: (1) criminal penalties involving fines of up to $2,000, or up to six months imprisonment, or both; (2) civil fines of up to $5,000 and, (3) the forfeiture of vehicles and equipment (including metal detectors) used in connection with the violation of these laws. 3. Confederate registration is "by invitation only." ABSOLUTELY NO CONFEDERATE WALK-ON REGISTRATION ALLOWED!!! Do not test us on this one unless you enjoy driving long distances for no apparent reason. 4. Minimum age to participate on the field is 16. Exceptions will be made only in regard to functioning field musicians. 5. Women desiring to portray military impressions: If your gender is noticeable from a distance of ten (10) feet, you will be asked to provide documentation validating the presence of a woman in the ranks at Battle of Bentonville. If you are unable to provide the required documentation, you will be asked to change into appropriate clothing or leave the event. (Please refer to Regulation #1.) 6. RV’s are welcome and will have a designated parking area. However, there are no hookups available for modern camping on site and the site will be closed to visitors at the end of each day. Reenactors with RV's will park in the reenactor parking area. Several RV Parks are within 15 miles of the Battlefield. Follow-up packets contain information on area campground and hotels. For more information regarding local accommodations, please contact: www.johnstoncountync.org or info@johnstoncountync.org 7. All participants bringing horses and/or mules to the event will be required to present upon arrival a valid Coggins test (within 1 year). Papers must be verified only through inspectors designated by the event coordinators. Horses and/or mules arriving without proper paperwork will be quarantined for the duration of the event. NO EXCEPTIONS. 8. Sutler registration will be by invitation only. Upon receipt and APPROVAL of sutler registration, you will receive a permit, which you must present upon arrival before being allowed to set up. 9. All participants must have their pass on their person at all times. Passes will be checked prior to each engagement. There will be a $10.00 charge for replacement of lost passes. 10. This event will be held on portions of the original battlefield. We ask that you conduct yourself accordingly. All property, public or privately owned, should be treated with respect. No cans, bottles, or other debris should be placed in fires. 11. "Unscripted" or "spontaneous" battles are expressly forbidden. Units or individuals engaged in such activity will be removed from the site. 12. Campaigner impressions and organizations are welcome, however you will be expected to function within the established military command structures. Units violating this regulation will be promptly referred to Regulation #1. 13. No fireworks or pyrotechnics allowed at any time, either in camp or on the battlefield. 14. North Carolina General Statutes strictly forbids Sale of bulk black powder on state property. 15. No fires will be allowed in the sutler area. 16. Conspicuous consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs will result in immediate dismissal from the event site. Drunkenness and abusive or unruly behavior will not be tolerated. Individuals in violation of this regulation will be turned over to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Department. 17. Weapons will be discharged only in designated areas while under the supervision of the unit commanders. Weapons shall not be discharged in camp or sutler’s row. Participants are also asked not to allow spectators to handle and/or fire their weapons during the period of this event. Violators will be removed from the event. 18. Cartridges for rifle-muskets should not exceed 70 grains of powder. Larger charges are wasteful and create safety hazards. 19. The use of ramrods during the tactical or scripted battle will not be permitted. Ramrods may be carried, but are not to be drawn. Belt or bowie knives should be tied down. No tompions on the field. 20. All uniforms should be constructed of natural fiber materials. Uniforms should also be of a proper design or style. Please pay particular attention to footwear. Due to safety reasons, all participants must wear shoes at all times. No barefoot soldiers or civilians, period! 21. Modern eyeglasses will not be tolerated! Those needing period eye wear should make the necessary arrangements prior to this event. 22. Sibley tents are allowed only in the authentic civilian area. We strongly urge "campaign" or "bivouac" style camping for the military camps. There will be precious little room for wall tents in these areas. 23. No "specialty impressions" (i.e. Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant) are allowed unless first approved by the historic site manager, Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. Individuals with such impressions that are not first cleared through the site manager will be asked to change or leave the event site. 24. All bayonet scabbards will be equipped with metallic tips. 25. No Zouave, Hawkins, or Mississippi rifles. No two-banders will be allowed on the battlefield. Henry and Spencer rifles are perfectly acceptable for FEDERAL USE ONLY at this event . 26. All non-period equipment (i.e. coolers, aluminum cans, etc.) should be stored out of sight of the visiting public. 27. No modern camping will be available on site. You may stay in your RV in the designated area, but no fires or fire-pits will be allowed in the parking lot. See regulation #2! Also, no tent camping allowed in the parking areas. Hook-ups for RV’s will not be available. 28. Vivandiers are strongly discouraged for this event. There is no documentation on file at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site confirming the presence of vivandiers during the battle in 1865. 29. Female nurses will not be allowed on the battlefield during the scripted scenarios, unless in the need arises to distribute ice to troops in the event of unseasonably hot weather. 30. No horses will be ridden through camps or sutler’s areas at any time during the event. Riders are asked to be particularly careful around the large number of spectators expected for this event. 31. Military commanders for this event will be General Jake Jennette, First Division ANV (CS), and General Tony Daniels, US Volunteers (US). These gentlemen represent the level of professionalism we expect from each unit attending the event, and are to be obeyed to the letter. 32. Unit commanders are responsible for disseminating this information to their unit members. ("My unit commander didn’t tell me," will not be an acceptable excuse for violation of any of the above regulations!) 33. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site reserves the right to remove any person or unit from the event at any time for violation of previous and above-listed regulations, glaring safety infractions, or authenticity violations. As noted in GS 124-4, failure to comply with the Historic Site Manager may result in the eviction from the property. 34. No weapons either edge or firearms will be carried by Civilians. No exceptions!!! 35. No pets allowed by participants. No exceptions!!! Questions or comments should be directed to: Donny Taylor, Historic Site Manager Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site 5466 Harper House Rd Four Oaks, NC 27524 Phone: (910) 594-0789 Fax: (910) 594-0070 E-mail: donny.taylor@ncdcr.gov bentonville@ncdcr.gov |
BENTONVILLE: 2010 145TH ANNIVERSARY March 20 & 21, 2010 EVENT INFORMATION |
