The Battle of Bentonville was a critical engagement during the American Civil War, taking place from March 19 to March 21, 1865. As Major General William T. Sherman continued his famous 'March to the Sea,' he aimed to cut off and destroy the remaining Confederate forces in North Carolina. The confrontation arose as Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston sought to oppose Sherman's advance, hoping to regroup his army and launch counteroffensive operations. Bentonville, a small crossroads village, became the focal point for this struggle.

The battle was marked by fierce fighting between the two forces, with Union troops outnumbering their Confederate counterparts. Johnston's forces put up a strong defense, leveraging the terrain and employing strategic maneuvers to delay Sherman's army. The initial combat on March 19 saw both sides suffering casualties, with shrapnel and gunfire ringing in the air as infantry and artillery clashed. Over the next two days, additional reinforcements from Sherman and Johnston entered the fray, contributing to the escalating violence and tactical complexity.

Despite Johnston's efforts, the battle ultimately culminated in a Confederate withdrawal as they retreated toward Four Oaks, hampered by Union maneuvers that disrupted their supply lines. By the time the fighting subsided, the Union army had effectively forced Johnston's forces to abandon their positions, showcasing the dwindling resources and capability of the Confederate army as the war neared its end. This engagement was one of the last significant battles in the western theater of the war and demonstrated the relentless pursuit of Union forces, paving the way for Sherman's continued advance toward the final Confederate strongholds in the South.