Averasboro Battlefield Museum

05/20/2025

🎖️ Historic Donation Alert! 🎖️

This past Friday (May 16, 2025), the Averasboro Museum received a powerful piece of local and Civil War history!

Mr. Gene Knight, a proud descendant of the Farquhard Campbell Smith family, donated the military wallet of Jesse Slocomb Smith — the youngest son of Farquhard and brother to Janie Smith. Born at Lebanon Plantation in 1849, Jesse was just a teen during the Civil War, but still found a way to serve alongside his seven older brothers — all of whom made it home after the war.

Though too young to officially fight, Jesse's dedication to the Southern cause is now forever preserved in this meaningful artifact.

🕰️ Stop by the museum to witness this special piece of the past — and honor a family whose legacy is woven deep into Harnett County’s history.

04/07/2025

Board member Joe Edwards offered his time this weekend to speak to the monthly men's group breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church of Dunn. Covering the history and scope of Averasboro Battlefield Museum, he enthralled the group on the impact that our local history museum offers the public. Without volunteers like Joe, our museum wouldn't be as successful as it is.

04/05/2025

30 years ago the journey began to protect, preserve, and present the Civil War history that took place at Averasboro on March 15th and 16th, 1865. Watch to learn more about our private, volunteer run, non-profit museum and consider stopping by to support our efforts.

03/13/2025

As we approach the anniversary of the battle of Averasboro we wanted to share on of the activities to recognize that historic event. Members of the J E B Stuart Chapter of the UDC held their monthly meeting at Chicora Cemetery on March 12th 2025 to acknowledge the 160th Anniversary of The Battle of Averasboro. Chapter President and Averasboro Board Member Teresa N. Hill was in charge of the ceremony.

01/10/2025

We will be closed Saturday January 11th due to inclement weather.

09/21/2024

Our good friends at the American Battlefield Trust were in town yesterday as they held their Board Meeting and donor Grand Review in Raleigh this weekend.

Garry Adelman, Chief Historian for the Trust, and Kathy Robertson, Director of Project Management, brought a group of its members to visit Averasboro Battlefield Friday afternoon. We are always excited to host any and all members of the group to show them firsthand the improvements that they have made possible over the years.

Picture left to right Garry Adelman, Kathy Robertson, ABCI Board Member Gloria Gulledge, and ABCI President Frank Moody.

08/14/2024

Some great news for our fellow Civil War site over at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site . We look forward to seeing the results of their historic landscape project !

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has been awarded a $100,000 Battlefield Restoration grant from the National Park Service to produce a Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) to guide the restoration of key portions of the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site in Johnston County.

“At Historic Sites, we often ask ourselves to consider what the land witnessed. This generous grant from the National Park Service will help us to more deeply understand and share the story of this incredibly significant battlefield as more than just a site of war,” said Michelle Lanier, director of the Division of State Historic Sites.

The CLR will document what the landscape looked like during the battle, assess current conditions, and provide recommendations to restore the historic landscape to day-of conditions. With over 2,200 acres preserved, this planning tool is critical in documenting the battlefield’s complex historical and natural resources, evaluating the changes in land use, and recommending long-term strategies to restore the forested lands to their historic 1865 appearance. The report will involve feedback from landowners, tenant farmers, Tribal entities, preservation specialists, and the local community.

The American Battlefield Protection Program's Battlefield Restoration Grants support preservation partners across the country in their effort to restore eligible American Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War sites to day-of-battle conditions. Funding for these grants is provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which reinvests revenue from offshore oil and natural gas leasing to help strengthen conservation and recreation opportunities across the nation.

08/07/2024

In light of the incoming storms, the Averasboro Battlefield Museum will be closed on Thursday August 8th and Friday August 9th.

06/08/2024

Don't know about you but we're out here having a blast on this beautiful sunny day. Come join us !

06/08/2024

We got your lunch plans covered again this year as Smiley's Kitchen, LLC. is back to serve some delicious items. Join us for food, history, and some great sunshine!