In 1865, a local market center for naval stores (tar, pitch, & turpentine). Bentonville gives its name to the battle fought nearby, March 19-21, 1865. Confederates concentrated here the day before the battle. As they retreated on March 22, they burned all stocks of naval stores. Union forces occupied the village, March 22-24.
Plaque via North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, and is used with their permission. Full page here (NC Marker ID HHH21)