New Bern's History
Tryon Palace marks the landmark for North Carolina's first Capitol Building. The Palace was built for Governor Tryon in 1770 and the Capitol was later relocated to Raleigh in 1778.
Besides being the First State Capitol in North Carolina, New Bern is a town full of history. Here are a few of numerous historical events:
- James Davis opened the First Printing Press in North Carolina
- Pepsi was invented in New Bern by Caleb Bradham
- First Public School in North Carolina
- First Chartered Fire Department in North Carolina
- New Bern's Devastating Fire of 1922
The North Carolina History Center opened in October 2010 and offers daily tours and special year-round events! This is a MUST visit for everyone, especially you history buffs!
Learn about the 1862 "Battle of New Bern" by visiting New Bern's Civil War Battlefield located at the entrance of Taberna (off Hwy 70 E). For a professional guided tour, please contact New Bern Historical Society, 512 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-638-8558.
New Bern's Historical Homes are well worth the visit to New Bern! Why not stay at one of the "Historical" Bed and Breakfast and experience the history yourself! For more information about New Bern's Bed & Breakfast options, please Click Here.
New Bern's Historic Landmarks:
- Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, 610 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-514-4900 or 800-767-1560
- Bellair Plantation, 1100 Washington Post Rd., New Bern, 252-637-3913
- Birthplace of Pepsi, 256 Middle St., New Bern, 252-636-5898
- Cedar Grove Cemetery, George St., Greenwood Cemetery, Cyprus St., and New Bern Cemetery, New Bern, 252-639-7515
- Centenary United Methodist Church, 309 New St., New Bern, 252-637-4181
- Christ Episcopal Church and Cemetery, 320 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-633-2109
- City Hall, 300 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-636-4000
- First Baptist Church, 239 Middle St., New Bern, 252-638-5691
- First Church of Christ, 406 Middle St., New Bern, 252-638-6269
- First Presbyterian Church, 418 New St., New Bern, 252-637-3270
- Hebrew Cemetery, National Ave., New Bern
- New Bern National Cemetery, 1711 National Ave, New Bern, 252-637-2912
- Saint Cyprian's Episcopal Church, 604 Johnson St., New Bern, 252-633-3816
- Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 510 Middle St., New Bern
- Saint Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 604 Johnson St., New Bern, 252-633-3816
- Temple B'Nai Sholem Synagogue, 505 Middle St., New Bern, 252-638-4545
Museums:
- Attmore-Oliver Civil War House Museum, 510 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-638-8558
- New Bern Fireman's Museum, 408 Hancock St., New Bern, 252-636-4087
- New Bern Academy Museum, located at the corner of New and Hancock Sts.
- USMC Aviation Exhibit, 201 Tourist Center Drive, Havelock, 252-444-4348
Tours:
- Cedar Grove Cemetery Tours hosted by The Earl of Craven Questers' Chapter, New Bern, 252-638-8558
- Colonial Capital Helicopter Tours, Kale Storage Rd., New Bern, 252-514-2242
- New Bern Tours and Convention Services, 333 Middle St., New Bern, 252-637-7316 or 800-849-7316
- Walking Tours, Tryon Palace, Corner of Pollock and George Sts., New Bern, 252-514-4900 or 800-767-1560
- Ghosts of New Bern Walking Tour, New Bern, 252-571-4766
- The Ghosts and Legends of Historic New Bern, 252-636-6030
- New Bern Tours and Convention Services, New Bern, 800-849-7316
- Randy's Water Cars, Historic Downtown New Bern, 252-349-3819
- Self-Guided African American Heritage Tour sponsored by the Craven County Convention and Visitors Center, 252-637-9400
- Segway Tours, New Bern, 800-979-3370
- Trail of Flames Historical Tour of the Great Fire of 1922, New Bern, 252-288-5716
If you notice important historical facts about New Bern that have been left out, please send an Email and they will be added. Thank you!
New Bern's Historical Resources:
- New Bern Historical Society, 512 Pollock St., New Bern, 252-638-8558
- The National Register of Historic Places for a complete listing of historic landmarks in New Bern.
