By David Freeze
Bennett Place Historic Site
James Bennett had purchased 200 acres of land along Old Hillsborough Road near Durham Station in 1846. The road connected Raleigh, the state capital, to Hillsborough and more. The Bennetts farmed and sold goods to make ends meet, including benefitting from renting enslaved labor to complete skilled jobs. Very popular was enslaved shoemaker Jacob Boreland. They liked the land along the roadway because of easier sales to passers-by, including travelers.
James and Nancy Bennett had lost two sons and a son-in-law during the Civil War, two of which died while in the Confederate Army. Life was hard during the war and the family faced economic uncertainty.
After General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, many considered the war over, but large Confederate armies still existed. The largest of these armies at the time was led by General Joseph Johnston and was centered around Durham and Raleigh. Many of Lee’s soldiers did not accept the surrender and traveled to North Carolina to join with Johnston. His army had swelled to 90,000 soldiers at the time, yet Johnston believed the cause was lost. Food, clothing and ammunition were all in short supply.
Union Major General William T. Sherman’s army had continued its path of destruction through the deep south. Johnston hoped to negotiate favorable surrender terms for his remaining soldiers. Sherman and Johnston agreed to meet along Hillsborough Road and the Bennetts were the first homeowners to let the officers and their staffs meet on their property.
The discussions for surrender were not simple, and the first draft was not accepted by Washington government officials. After the third meeting, all held in the parlor room of the Bennett house, an agreement was reached. Most of the same terms agreed to at Appomattox were finalized. During this time, the Bennett family remained in the kitchen, a separate building as was often the custom during this time period.
The original chimney still stands but the house was reconstructed, as was the kitchen and smoke house. Benefits of having a separate kitchen also included limiting pests, noise and intense heat from cooking. The smoke house was used to cure and store meat, with about 150 pounds of ham on hand during the negotiations. A small dairy house is also on the property, used for storing butter and milk, as well as other kitchen foods.
There is also a reconstructed bandstand on the property, simply because it was moved here in the 1920’s to avoid demolition. A Unity Monument was erected in 1923 to represent national healing after the Civil War.
There is a wonderful yet small museum on site and a short documentary movie that adds more information on the surrender. There is a nice picnic site, and cars have easy access back to I-85.
The final surrender was signed on April 26, 1865, and about 90,000 southern soldiers laid down their arms. This historic site is well worth visiting and is not far from Stagville, one of my favorites. The Duke Homestead is also nearby, but I have not visited it yet.
Running and racing are just around the corner, after the late summer break. Next Saturday, on August 29th, we have the SRR Prediction Run 5K. 8am at the City Park shelter on Lake Drive in Salisbury. No watches, no phones, no timing devices can be worn or carried, and you’ll have to predict your time. The closest to their guess gets a new pair of running shoes from Ralph Baker Shoes and another pair of shoes and other door prizes will also be given. Breakfast will be served too.
Then on September 12, it is the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run in Landis. This race funds the Bible teachers in the South Rowan area schools and is known for its fast course. It is a fantastic event for walkers and virtual runners too, those who want to support the race but can’t do the distance on race day.
And just ahead also is the fall Beginning Runners Class, starting September 8th at 6pm at the Salisbury PD. The class lasts for eight weeks.
Look for all these events and more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
