New Bern, North Carolina’s second-oldest city, offers history enthusiasts a remarkable collection of well-preserved historic sites spanning three centuries of American history. From colonial architecture to Civil War landmarks, these 10 essential historic destinations showcase the city’s significant role in shaping North Carolina’s past. Each site provides unique insights into different periods of American history while offering engaging visitor experiences.
Why New Bern Should Be on Every History Lover’s Bucket List
Founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers, New Bern stands as a testament to America’s colonial heritage. As North Carolina’s first state capital and the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, this charming riverside city combines historical significance with small-town charm.
The city’s historic district encompasses over 150 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with architectural styles spanning Federal, Georgian, Greek Revival, and Victorian periods. What makes New Bern truly special is how its historic sites remain integrated into the fabric of the modern city, creating an immersive historical experience rather than isolated landmarks.
10 Must-Visit Historic Sites in New Bern
1. Tryon Palace: North Carolina’s Colonial Capital
Tryon Palace served as the first permanent state capitol and home to Royal Governor William Tryon from 1770 to 1775. This meticulously reconstructed Georgian-style mansion offers visitors a glimpse into colonial governance and high society.
The palace complex includes:
- The main palace building with period furnishings
- Seven historically significant buildings
- 16 acres of gardens designed by renowned landscape architects
- The North Carolina History Center with interactive exhibits
Guided tours led by costumed interpreters bring the colonial period to life as you explore the governor’s quarters, formal gardens, and kitchen office. The palace hosts regular living history demonstrations including cooking, blacksmithing, and militia drills that immerse visitors in 18th-century daily life.
2. New Bern Firemen’s Museum: America’s Oldest Fire Service History
Housed in the 1928 Central Fire Station, this museum celebrates New Bern’s firefighting legacy, which began in 1845 with the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company, the oldest chartered fire company in the state.
The museum showcases:
- The 1879 Steam Fire Engine, a fully-restored centerpiece
- The “Button Pumper” from 1879, one of the few remaining examples
- Memorabilia from the Great Fire of 1922, which destroyed over 1,000 buildings
- Interactive exhibits on modern firefighting technology
The museum’s second floor features a haunting memorial to the Great Fire of 1922, which destroyed 40 city blocks and left 3,000 residents homeless. Original photographs and recovered artifacts tell the story of this devastating event and the city’s remarkable recovery.
3. Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola: Where America’s Favorite Drink Began
Located on Middle Street in downtown New Bern, the small pharmacy where Caleb Bradham invented “Brad’s Drink” in 1893 (later renamed Pepsi-Cola) has been restored to its original appearance.
Visitors can:
- See the original soda fountain where Pepsi was first served
- View historic Pepsi advertisements and memorabilia
- Purchase vintage-style Pepsi products and collectibles
- Sample Pepsi made from the original recipe
This compact but fascinating site offers a unique intersection of business history and American popular culture, explaining how a small-town pharmacist created what would become one of the world’s most recognized brands.
4. New Bern Academy Museum: Education Through the Ages
Established in 1766, New Bern Academy was one of the first public schools in the South. The current Federal-style building, constructed in 1809, served as a school until 1899 and later became a hospital during the Civil War.
The museum features four permanent exhibits:
- Architecture and history of the academy building
- Civil War medicine and hospital operations
- Education in early America
- Local Native American history
The Academy’s restored classrooms feature original desks, books, and teaching materials, providing insight into 19th-century educational methods. Interactive displays allow visitors to experience lessons as students would have over 150 years ago.
5. Cedar Grove Cemetery: Stories in Stone
Established in 1800, this historic cemetery features distinctive “weeping arches” at its entrance and serves as the final resting place for many notable New Bern citizens.
Cemetery highlights include:
- Elaborate Victorian monuments and sculptures
- Graves of Confederate soldiers and Union occupation victims
- The haunting Angel of the Confederate monument
- Self-guided tours with interpretive markers
The cemetery’s oak-lined pathways and moss-draped atmosphere create a contemplative space to reflect on New Bern’s past generations. Ghost tours offered seasonally explore the cemetery’s folklore and reported paranormal activity.
6. Union Point Park: Where Rivers and History Meet
Located at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, this waterfront park marks the approximate location where Baron Christoph von Graffenried established New Bern in 1710.
Historical features include:
- Interpretive panels describing the city’s founding
- Monuments to the Swiss and German settlers
- Views of historic waterfront architecture
- The original port area that made New Bern a trading center
The park’s strategic location highlights why early settlers chose this site, with its access to river transportation and natural harbor facilities. Special markers indicate flood levels from historic hurricanes that have shaped the city’s development and resilience.
7. Christ Episcopal Church: Spiritual Heritage Since 1715
Founded in 1715, Christ Church stands as North Carolina’s second-oldest parish. The current Gothic Revival structure, built in 1875, replaced earlier buildings destroyed by fire.
Notable elements include:
- Original Tiffany stained glass windows
- Handcrafted wooden altar and choir stalls
- Historic parish records dating to the colonial era
- Cemetery with graves of prominent early citizens
The church’s parish house contains a small museum of religious artifacts, including communion silver donated by King George II. Self-guided tours are available during weekday hours, with docents present to explain the church’s architectural and historical significance.
8. New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park: Where History Was Made
Located just south of the city, this 31-acre preserved battlefield marks the site of the 1862 Battle of New Bern, a significant Union victory that established Federal control of coastal North Carolina.
The battlefield park features:
- 1.5 miles of interpretive trails with explanatory markers
- Reconstructed earthworks and artillery positions
- Artifacts recovered from archaeological excavations
- Regular living history demonstrations and reenactments
The visitor center provides context through maps, displays, and a 15-minute orientation film. The park’s location along the Neuse River demonstrates how waterways influenced Civil War strategy in the region.
9. Attmore-Oliver House: Architectural Evolution
Built in 1790 and expanded in the 1830s, this historic home showcases the evolution of American domestic architecture across different periods. Now headquarters of the New Bern Historical Society, the house serves as both museum and research center.
Visitors can explore:
- Period rooms furnished with original New Bern-made pieces
- The heritage garden featuring historically accurate plantings
- A collection of 19th-century textiles and decorative arts
- Archives containing maps, photographs, and documents
Monthly specialized tours focus on different aspects of daily life, including cooking, gardening, and children’s activities in the 19th century. The house demonstrates how wealthy merchants lived during New Bern’s commercial heyday.
10. New Bern Riverfront Convention Center: Historic Preservation Success
Though serving modern purposes, this convention center represents a triumph of adaptive reuse, occupying a restored 1930s warehouse that once served as a Baxter’s Wholesale warehouse during New Bern’s trading boom.
Historical elements include:
- Original structural beams and brickwork
- Historic photographs throughout the building
- Interpretive displays on riverfront commerce
- Views of the historic waterfront from its promenade
The center’s renovation helped revitalize New Bern’s waterfront while preserving an important industrial building. The surrounding area features historic plaques marking former businesses and wharves that made New Bern a commercial center.
Planning Your Historic New Bern Visit
Best Times to Visit New Bern’s Historic Sites
New Bern’s historic sites are accessible year-round, but certain seasons offer unique advantages:
Spring (March-May): Gardens at Tryon Palace reach peak bloom, with special garden tours available. Weather is mild, making walking tours comfortable.
Fall (September-November): Smaller crowds and pleasant temperatures make this an ideal time for in-depth exploration. Holiday decorations begin appearing in November.
December: The candlelight Christmas celebration at Tryon Palace recreates colonial holiday traditions with musicians, dancers, and illuminated gardens.
Weekday visits generally mean fewer crowds at popular sites like Tryon Palace, allowing for more personal interaction with interpreters and docents.
Creating Your History-Focused Itinerary
For the most comprehensive experience, plan at least two full days to explore New Bern’s historic offerings:
Day One:
- Morning: Tryon Palace and gardens (3-4 hours)
- Lunch: Dine at Chelsea Restaurant, operating in an 1800s building
- Afternoon: New Bern Academy Museum and Christ Episcopal Church
- Evening: Ghost tour of Cedar Grove Cemetery (seasonal)
Day Two:
- Morning: Birthplace of Pepsi and Firemen’s Museum
- Lunch: Picnic at Union Point Park
- Afternoon: Civil War Battlefield Park
- Evening: Attmore-Oliver House and walking tour of historic district
Many visitors find that purchasing the Heritage Pass, which provides access to multiple sites at a reduced price, offers the best value for comprehensive exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Bern’s Historic Sites
How accessible are New Bern’s historic sites for visitors with mobility challenges?
Most of New Bern’s major historic sites have made significant accessibility improvements while respecting historic preservation requirements. Tryon Palace offers accessible routes throughout most of the complex, with advance notice recommended for specific accommodations. The New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park features some wheelchair-accessible trails, though not all areas can be modified due to preservation concerns. The downtown historic district includes brick sidewalks that may present challenges, but main attractions like the Birthplace of Pepsi and Firemen’s Museum have wheelchair access.
Are guided tours available, or are the sites primarily self-guided?
New Bern offers both options to accommodate different visitor preferences. Tryon Palace provides structured guided tours led by costumed interpreters, while sites like the Civil War Battlefield Park can be explored independently using well-marked interpretive trails. The New Bern Historical Society offers themed walking tours of the historic district several times weekly, focusing on architecture, famous residents, or specific historical periods. For independent exploration, the visitor center provides excellent self-guided tour maps with suggested routes based on different interests and time constraints.
What nearby accommodations offer authentic historical experiences?
Several historic buildings in New Bern have been converted into charming bed and breakfast establishments, offering visitors the opportunity to stay in authentically restored properties. The Aerie Bed and Breakfast occupies an 1882 Queen Anne house, while the Harmony House Inn operates in a restored 1850s structure. For those preferring modern amenities with historic surroundings, the DoubleTree by Hilton occupies a renovated waterfront location with views of historic sites. Vacation rentals in the historic district are increasingly available, allowing guests to experience life in restored homes while enjoying modern conveniences.
How does New Bern compare to other historic destinations in North Carolina?
New Bern offers a unique combination of colonial, early republic, and Civil War history that distinguishes it from other North Carolina historic destinations. Unlike Wilmington, which emphasizes maritime history, or Charlotte, which focuses on the Revolutionary War period, New Bern presents a continuous historical narrative spanning three centuries. The city’s compact historic district allows visitors to explore different historical periods within walking distance, unlike more sprawling historic areas. New Bern’s preservation efforts have successfully integrated historic buildings into everyday use, creating a living historic community rather than isolated museum sites.
What educational resources are available for students visiting New Bern?
New Bern’s historic sites offer tailored educational programming aligned with North Carolina curriculum standards. Tryon Palace provides grade-specific field trip experiences with hands-on activities and specialized tours. The Civil War Battlefield Park offers educational trunks with replica artifacts that teachers can use in classrooms before or after visits. The New Bern Historical Society has developed downloadable lesson plans covering local history from colonial settlement through the 20th century. Many sites offer virtual tour options and digital resources for classrooms unable to visit in person, extending the educational reach beyond physical visits.
Conclusion: Why New Bern Deserves a Place in Your Historical Travels
New Bern’s historic sites offer more than just glimpses into the past—they provide a comprehensive journey through American history from colonial beginnings through modern preservation efforts. The city’s walkable scale and well-preserved buildings create an immersive historical experience rarely found in larger destinations.
What truly distinguishes New Bern is how its history remains a living part of the community rather than something confined to museums. As you explore these ten essential historic sites, you’ll discover a city that has embraced its past while continuing to evolve, creating connections between centuries that help visitors understand not just what happened, but why it mattered—and continues to matter today.
Whether you’re a dedicated history enthusiast or simply curious about America’s past, New Bern’s historic sites offer authentic experiences that bring history to life in meaningful and memorable ways. By walking the same streets as colonial governors, Civil War soldiers, and early entrepreneurs, visitors gain perspective on the human stories that shaped not just a city, but a nation.
Comments