A Little-Known Slice Of North Carolina History Can Be Found At This Civil War Site
By Carolyn Harmon|Published February 01, 2024
×
Carolyn Harmon
Author
Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
For a fascinating little-known slice of history in North Carolina, visit Kinston Battlefield Park. This small Civil War site of the first Battle of Kinston, which was fought on Dec. 13 and 14, 1862, is dedicated to the soldiers who were killed during the conflict. This battle was the first major Confederate opposition of about 2,000 troops, commanded by Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans, to approximately 10,000 Union troops led by Brig. Gen. John G. Foster. The battle resulted in a Union victory. Here you’ll find descriptive markers, earthworks, and an 1860s Baptist church.
This hand-drawn map of the 45th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry is dated Dec. 14, 1862.
The regiment in the Union trained at Camp Meigs in Readville, Massachusetts, before heading to North Carolina. Can you imagine making these plans by hand without technology and the arduous journey to North Carolina?
Today, folks can visit the Kinston Battlefield Park Memorial Site where it all took place.
Also, eight markers designate the states from which the U.S. Army regiments fought during the battle. They include North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Caswell was the first governor of the independent state of North Carolina, and during special events, historical interpreters are present. Keep updated on the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial State Historic Site Facebook page.
And for more interesting Civil War history, visit the nearby CSS Neuse Civil War Museum.
CSS Neuse Museum, 100 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501, USA
Several exhibits showcase the history of life in early Lenoir County and the Civil War in eastern North Carolina, including Burnside's Expedition, Battles in Kinston during the war, and the end of the war in North Carolina.
We enjoy seeing the enormous remains of the steam-powered battleship, the CSS Neuse.
It's located on the museum's first floor, giving a detailed look at the ship's historical significance, the hardships of sailor life, and the ship's recovery. See more photos on the CSS Neuse Civil War Museum Facebook page.
For more information about the Battle of Kinston, watch this video.
Discover more about this little-known slice of history in North Carolina on the National Park Service website. Show off your strong roots in North Carolina. Use the coupon code NorthCarolina10 for 10 percent off of your purchase.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
