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Kinston-Lenoir County Visitor & Information Center
Start your journey at this visitor center, where a 30-square-foot map showcases the North Carolina Blue-Gray Scenic Byway. This route connects key Civil War sites across eastern North Carolina, making it a great introduction to your trip.
Kinston Battlefield Park Memorial Site
Explore the site of the first Battle of Kinston, where 2,400 Confederates clashed with 12,000 Union troops in 1862. Walk among earthworks, read historical markers and visit an 1860s Baptist church standing in place of Harriet’s Chapel, which once served as a Union field hospital. The battlefield park includes a plaza that honors each state that sent soldiers to fight here.
Second Battle of Kinston Battlefield (Battle of Wyse Fork)
Visit the location of the second-largest Civil War battle in North Carolina. Walk through the battlefield, see the interpretive markers and stop by the Cobb House, which was used as a hospital during the war.
CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center
Fate was brutal to CSS Neuse, the Confederate ironclad built in nearby Whitehall, now called Seven Springs. Battle delayed its completion, and it finally steamed from Kinston in 1864 only to run aground soon after. It never saw combat and was scuttled in 1865. The 260-ton hull, pulled from the river more than 50 years ago, is displayed at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. The only full-size replica of a Confederate ironclad — CSS Neuse II — is dry-docked downtown.
Wayne County Museum
Learn about Wayne County’s Civil War history through exhibits that showcase artifacts from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, plus military and medical displays.
Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield
Head to Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield, where Union Gen. Foster’s 1862 attack raged from Kinston and Seven Springs to the railroad bridge south of Goldsboro. Pick up a battlefield map or join a guided tour.
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
See where Confederate soldiers made a now-or-never attempt to stop Union Gen. Sherman’s 90,000 men. Explore the visitors center, the Harper House field hospital, preserved earthworks, a mass Confederate grave and monuments.
Averasboro Battlefield & Museum
End your trip at the site of the Battle of Averasboro, which was fought on the 8,000-acre Smith Plantation as Union troops advanced from Fayetteville. See historic homes that served as hospitals, stop at the Chicora Civil War Cemetery and browse battle artifacts at the museum in Dunn.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Kinston-Lenoir County Visitor & Information Center
Stop 2
Kinston Battlefield Park Memorial Site
Stop 3
Second Battle of Kinston Battlefield (Battle of Wyse Fork)
Stop 4
CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center
Stop 5
Wayne County Museum
Stop 6
Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield
Stop 7
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
Stop 8