For the first time, as part of the 150th Bentonville Battlefield Anniversary events, the Town of Smithfield will tell what happened here before and after the last major battle of the Civil War. The Johnston County Heritage Center unveiled its newest exhibit, “American versus American: Our Most Cruel War,” detailing Johnston County’s role in the Civil War, 1861-1865,” on Saturday, February 28, 2015 in its exhibit hall, located at 241 E. Market Street, Smithfield. See displays of local artifacts, photographs, letters, maps, and documents from the war period, learn about real people and their stories, play dress-up in period attire, listen to 1860s period music, and pose for pictures in front of the old courthouse mural. On Saturday, March 21, 2015, beginning at 6 pm, candlelight tours of Smithfield’s Civil War sites will feature: Extended hours for Heritage Center’s Exhibit Hall Guided tours and carriage rides Confederate encampment near the Town Commons A “shape-note” songfest in a one-room meeting house Living History demonstrations Real-life characters portrayed The historic Hastings House, used as headquarters for Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Braxton Bragg before and after the Battle of Bentonville, was saved from destruction in the 1960s and is now open to the public. In addition to the many original architecture elements that remain intact, visitors are able to view an art collection of eight giclée by artist John Paul Strain that depict various Civil War era scenes. Just down the block from the Hastings House, an easy walk, is the Riverside Cemetery with confederate graves and monuments. Admission for the candlelight tour is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets may be purchased on March 21 at the Johnston County Heritage Center, located at 241 E. Market Street. For more information about 150th Anniverary events taking place throughout Johnston County, please visit http://www.johnstoncountync.org/150th-civil-war-events.
