The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Monday, May 9, 2011

So, That's Where They Were Buried

From the May 6th Apex (NC) Herald.

A cemetery containing the remains of 20 Confederate soldiers who died at the Battle of Bentonville in 1865 will be dedicated June 11th at 2 pm as part of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Second Saturday Summer Series which combines arts and history.

John and Amy Harper's home became a field hospital for the Union's XIV Corps where 600 Union soldiers were treated. An unknown number of captured Confederates also had their wounds tended there as well.

When the Union Army left for Goldsboro after the battle, 45 Confederates were paroled and left in the care of the Harpers. Even with their best efforts, 23 died and 20 were buried on the farm.

The exact location of the graves had been lost for many years. But 21st century technology and the discovery of a late 19th century photo enabled the cemetery to be found. The photo shows 20 headstones and foot stones just south of the Harper family cemetery.

Archaeologists using ground-penetrating radar confirmed the remains.

The Harper House Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy is raising funds for the headstones. However, the US government will provide them for free is someone contacts them.

Always Good to Honor Those Who Died Defending the South. --Old B-R'er

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