Since 1994, Civil War Trails in North Carolina has worked with people we may know - historians, volunteers, and storytellers from our local communities. The nonprofit started with some interested historians to link the sites of Robert E. Lee’s retreat from Petersburg, Virginia, to his surrender at Appomattox. Storytelling efforts have successfully connected intrigued visitors with small towns across a network of six states on more than 1,200 sites. Walk in the footsteps of the commanders, soldiers, — our descendants. This community-driven approach tells human-interest stories in organized and unforgettable ways. Let's look at a few stops along the North Carolina trails.

The incredibly detailed map-guides for each state identify the historic sites like this page from North Carolina.

The state has at least 200 sites followable by driving routes and state park indicators. Many of the destinations offer surrounding activities. Download the pdf on the Civil War Trails website. The following five sites are just a few of the fascinating stops along the tour.

1. Vance Birthplace: Weaverville

This early 1800s plantation is in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. Hear stories about the women and men who were enslaved by the Vances on the tour of a 1790s slave dwelling. And learn about the reconstructed birthplace of Zebulon B. Vance. Read other details on the Vance Birthplace web page.

Another note of interest involves this 26th North Carolina Regimental Band, C.S.A from Salem.

In 1862, Bandleader Samuel Mickey offered the band's talent to Col. Vance which was accepted into the 26th NC Regiment. The band members pictured here sometime between 1861 and 1865 include from left: S. T. Mickey, A. P. Gibson, J. O. Hall, W. H. Hall, A. L. Hauser, D. T. Crouse, J. A. Leinbach, and James M. Fisher.

2. Bennett Place: Durham

This farmhouse once sat between the headquarters of Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston (Greensboro) and Union Gen. William T. Sherman (Raleigh). In April 1865, the two commanders met at the Bennett Place where they signed surrender papers. Read more about the site on this interesting Bennett Place Facebook post.

3. Historic Halifax: Halifax

The historic site has several buildings and an Underground Railroad that tell the stories of significant events, such as this 1838 Jail. Attend the annual Halifax Resolves Days that takes place in April when historic interpreters tell interesting stories of what happened here. Keep updated on the Historic Halifax Facebook page.

4. Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield: Dudley

A self-guided walking tour or guided tour tells where 15,000 soldiers bravely fought for our country in the famous Dec. 17, 1862 battle. Learn the history on the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield website.

5. Market House: Fayetteville

Built in 1838, this historic building was constructed on the site of the old state house and town hall that burned in 1831. Market House was once a slave market and a plaque on the site sits as a reminder of that horrific time.

Plan a vacation, print the map, grab a highlighter, and go!

There’s always something new to see and do along the trail, so stay tuned as the program continues to grow.

Civil War Trails in North Carolina offers more information on the website. These trails give easy access to authentic details of the war in America from April 12, 1861, through the spring of 1865, leaving an estimated 620,000 dead and thousands of others injured.

Read about another fascinating stop along the way: Kinston Battlefield Park. As you travel through the state, find some lodging and reserve ahead on Expedia.com.