Bennett Place Historic Site

Bennett Place Historic Site Site of the Largest Surrender of the American Civil War This page has been created for the enjoyment and education of the general public. Thank you.
(227)

On April 17, 1865 Major General William Tecumseh Sherman and General Joseph Eggleston Johnston met at the home of James and Nancy Bennett to put an end to a war that had cost America more than 670,000 lives (approximately 620,000 and 50,000 civilian). On April 26, 1865 an agreement was reached which surrendered more than 89,270 Confederate soldiers making this the largest surrender of the American Civil War. Bennett Place State Historic Site and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources reserves the right to remove or block any comments or individuals who may be deemed as insulting and harmful to Bennett Place or indviiduals and groups affiliated with Bennett Place. Please keep all comments respectful for everyone.

09/25/2026

Last week, Bennett Place Historic Site glowed with hundreds of luminaries, each honoring the lives of enslaved people across North Carolina. Guests walked the candlelit path, hearing powerful stories of courage, resilience, and the many journeys to freedom.

The evening's events included music from cellist and composer Shana Tucker, whose performance underscored this moving night of reflection and remembrance.

There's limited spots remaining for our luminary program this Friday night! Reserve your timed entry ticket here:
09/15/2026

There's limited spots remaining for our luminary program this Friday night! Reserve your timed entry ticket here:

During this special luminary program, Bennett Place invites you to reflect on the end of the Civil War as a momentous step towards freedom.

We offer guided tours Tuesday-Saturday at 9:45, 11:00, and 1:00 - weather and staffing permitting.
09/12/2026

We offer guided tours Tuesday-Saturday at 9:45, 11:00, and 1:00 - weather and staffing permitting.

***September Update: Bennett Place will keep tour times at 9:45, 11:00, and 1:00 moving forward.UPDATED TOUR HOURS: Due ...
06/24/2026

***September Update: Bennett Place will keep tour times at 9:45, 11:00, and 1:00 moving forward.

UPDATED TOUR HOURS: Due to the excessive summer afternoon heat, we are now offering guided tours at 9:45, 11:00, and 1:00 - Please note that all tours are subject to cancellation with staffing, group reservations, or heat advisories.

If you’ve visited Bennett Place in 2026, you may have noticed our Canes wall calendar by the register. The Carolina Hurr...
06/19/2026

If you’ve visited Bennett Place in 2026, you may have noticed our Canes wall calendar by the register. The Carolina Hurricanes didn’t lose back to back games since our wall calendar went up & went on to win the Stanley Cup! Coincidence? LET’S GO CANES!

We’re grateful for colleagues across Historic Sites who have helped us prepare new content for Bennett Place. In the com...
06/16/2026

We’re grateful for colleagues across Historic Sites who have helped us prepare new content for Bennett Place. In the coming months, we’ll be unveiling new touchscreens, windows into time, and a new orientation film. These technology updates help us further explore the impact of the Civil War & Reconstruction and our surrender’s role in shaping the lives of all North Carolinians and Americans.

We’re excited to share more with you in the coming months as we close out work on these projects.

Drew spent the morning at Horizon Productions in Durham, recording voice narration for use in the new exhibits at Bennett Place State Historic Site.

05/30/2026
MARKET PROGRAM THIS WEEKEND! James and Nancy Bennett lived along the Hillsborough Road, a major throughway between the c...
05/12/2026

MARKET PROGRAM THIS WEEKEND!
James and Nancy Bennett lived along the Hillsborough Road, a major throughway between the county seat of Hillsborough and the state capital of Raleigh. They made money by selling goods & services to passers-by on the roadway.

This Saturday, Bennett Place State Historic Site brings back that entrepreneurial, small-business spirit with the Old Hillsborough Road Market. Shop local craft, retail, and food vendors while exploring our historic site!

Bennett Place will be closed on Friday March 27 for a professional development opportunity for staff.
03/25/2026

Bennett Place will be closed on Friday March 27 for a professional development opportunity for staff.

Address

4409 Bennett Memorial Road
Durham, NC
27705

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(919) 383-4345

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bennett Place Historic Site posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category