JOHNSTON COUNTY -- Today marks 150 years since the end of the largest Civil War battle fought in North Carolina.

Thousands of people are expected in Bentonville on Saturday for a re-enactment of The Battle of Bentonville.

The Battle of Bentonville lasted three days, from March 19-21, 1865.

Organizers are expecting thousands of people to come out to watch the re-enactment, including decedents of civil war soldiers who fought here so long ago.

The Battle of Bentonville took place at the end of the Civil War as General Sherman moved north from Savannah, Georgia.

Confederate troops were able to mass 17,000 soldiers in a surprise attack against Sherman.

“This was really the last hoorah for the confederacy.  This is going to be the end.  As the days go on after this, the men realize the cause is lost.  And there's really no more sense in continuing,” said Bob Etzler, a re-enactor.

The Confederate troops were outnumbered three to one.

This battled killed about 250 Confederate soldiers and left 1700 wounded and 1500 more missing.

Saturday’s battle re-enactment starts at 3 p.m.

Events are happening in Bentonville through the weekend.