Battles & Campaigns · 1865
Battle of Averasborough
Near Erwin, Harnett County, North Carolina, USA
What happened
Joseph E. Johnston sent Hardee's corps to strike one wing of Sherman's army while it was separated from the rest. Hardee's men pushed back the first Union troops, but reinforcements drove back two Confederate lines. When more Union troops arrived, Hardee withdrew.
Why it matters
The battle was a prelude to the larger fight at Bentonville. Johnston was trying to catch Sherman's army while it was spread out.
What came next
The Battle of Bentonville began three days later, and Johnston surrendered to Sherman on 26 April 1865.
Did you know?
More than 568 acres of the battlefield have been preserved.
Timeline
- 16 Mar 1865Battle of Averasborough.
- 19–21 Mar 1865Battle of Bentonville.
- 26 Apr 1865Johnston surrenders to Sherman.