Bennett Place is the site of the largest troop surrender and the effective end of the Civil War. In April 1865, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and his Union adversary, General William T. Sherman, met in Durham at Bennett Place where Gen. Johnston surrendered the Southern armies in the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia. Today, the site includes restored historic structures, a visitor center and museum, special living history events and tours.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed
Our guide was a history buff and asked thought-provoking questions. I appreciated that he gave immediate history of what preceded the surrender… and cultural context of what the officers/soldiers interactions were like during the surrender. My parents don’t like to walk too far - or stand for long periods of time - so this was comfortable for them. True southern hospitality from museum staff as well. Worth a visit!
D. Dawson
Jun 30, 2024
5
So much history here and a great place to bring the kids. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and interactive.
Casey Wells
Jun 1, 2024
5
Wonderful!! Loved it. So informative 👏. Helpers were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The video can be played for you if you ask the staff. Smart layout museum ✨️. The grounds would be a wonderful place for a family picnic 😊. Although we didn't pay for the tour, it's extremely reasonable. I wish we had, but timing did not allow.
Be sure to stop here where Sherman settled an agreement with Johnstone to end the war. Grab yourself a map of the many battlefields available here in North Carolina .
K P
May 20, 2024
5
Did the self guided tour, learned a lot from the video which is dated but informative. Important US history happened by chance here but the timing of all of it was so critical. All things I never learned in US History class.
Deborah Everleigh
Dec 19, 2023
5
Excellent museum and collection of items. It's pretty amazing the significance of what actually happened here. Consider it a bonus if coming on a day with period re-enactment. The day we came there was a regime gun demonstration. Free admission but donations welcome.
Susan Cypher
Dec 19, 2023
5
I loved everything about Bennett Place - the structures, the history, tge artifacts, the grounds, and the people. It is a well-kept area, and everyone was so kind and friendly. We were lucky enough to see Santa, have handmade treats, hot apple cider, and popcorn (all with their own histories and stories), and to watch the rifles being shot. Santa was beyond kind to my autistic granddaughter. It was a 10 out of 10 experience for us.
Matt Stilwell
Dec 1, 2023
5
Nice, relatively unknown historical place. The surrender that occurred here, from Gnl. Johnston to Gnl. Sherman, marked the nd of full-blown armed hostilities. It was not the final surrender of the Confederacy. Excellent museum, and Drew and Ryan are the type of fellers you could chat with at a bar with a beer, and forget what day it is, let alone what hour.
Brian Telfer
Nov 29, 2023
5
Really great introductory film on the significance of Bennett place. We timed our visit for 10 am tour by a volunteer. It was AMAZING. Ralph W, a retired history teacher, wove the facts into an amazing narrative that had us listening intently. We weren't all history nerds, but really enjoyed it.
Danny Tatum
Nov 20, 2023
5
The guide was very knowledgeable and did a great job presenting the significant history for the Bennett Place.
