Abstract:
At the Battle of Averasborough, fought in Harnett and Cumberland counties on March 16, 1865, a Union force of about 26,000 was opposed by 5,400 Confederates under the command of General William J. Hardee. Although the Confederates were defeated after a battle of a day and a half, they held Sherman's approaching mammoth army long enough to allow General Joseph J. Johnston to gather his forces for the Battle of Bentonville two days later.