Historic farmhouse and museum preserving the site where Union and Confederate generals negotiated the largest troop surrender of the American Civil War.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and designated state holidays
Guided tour fees:
Adults (18–64): $4
Seniors (65+) and Military: $3
Youth (3–17): $1
Children (0–2): Free
How to Get There
From Durham, NC (5 mi): Take US-70 Business west from downtown Durham, continue toward Bennett Memorial Road, and follow signs to the historic site entrance.
Overview
Bennett Place preserves one of the most important locations in American history, marking the site where Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and Union General William T. Sherman met in April 1865 to negotiate the surrender of Confederate forces in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. This agreement represented the largest troop surrender of the Civil War and played a crucial role in bringing the conflict to a close. Today, visitors can explore reconstructed versions of the Bennett family farmhouse, kitchen, and smokehouse, which recreate the appearance of the farm at the time of the historic negotiations. The visitor center further enriches the experience with exhibits, artifacts, and an orientation film that place the events in their broader historical context.
Beyond its significance as a Civil War landmark, the site offers insight into the daily life of an ordinary North Carolina farm family during the nineteenth century. Walking paths, period gardens, and interpretive programs help visitors connect with both the military and civilian stories that unfolded here. The peaceful rural setting stands in contrast to the enormous consequences of the discussions that occurred on the property, making a visit both reflective and educational. Bennett Place remains one of the nation's most important preserved Civil War surrender sites and a meaningful destination for anyone interested in American history.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Bennett Place, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
