The Town of Smithfield has several Carolina Campaign Civil War Trail markers that lead from the Battle of Bentonville site near Four Oaks to Downtown Smithfield.  Visitors may follow the trail markers along US Hwy 301 that indicate the march of troops after the battle, which took place on March 19-21, 1865. 

The Battle of Bentonville was the last major offensive of the Civil War and the confederate's only serious attempt to stop General Sherman's March from Atlanta. 

Marker # 1

Union Line of March, Trails sign at the North Carolina Highway Patrol station on Route 301, one-half mile north of I-95 – Elements of the Union X Corps marched by this spot after leaving Goldsboro April 10 heading northwest toward Raleigh.

Marker # 2

Hastings House, Trails sign at the corner of Front and East Johnston streets in Smithfield – This 1854 home served as headquarters for Confederate Gens. Johnston and Bragg mid-March 1865. From here, Johnston ordered the concentration of forces and the attack March 19 at Bentonville. Johnston returned after the battle, resting his battered army.

Market # 3

Occupation of Smithfield, Trails sign at the Johnston County Courthouse, Second and Market streets – Confederates withdrew from Smithfield April 11, and the town soon was occupied by Union infantry. Sherman established his headquarters at the courthouse, announcing Lee's surrender from its steps.