Located along the Neuse River, New Bern is rich in history and charm, once serving as North Carolina’s colonial capital. This lively town played a key role during the American Revolution and has many stories behind its name.
For history lovers and travelers, New Bern offers many landmarks that showcase its legacy. Check out our top 12 must-visit sites, from the New Bern Academy Museum to the beautiful grounds of Tryon Palace, and discover the captivating stories that make this destination unique.
The History of New Bern
Historic New Bern, North Carolina, was founded as the colonial capital in the early 18th century, marking its importance in American history and its role as a hub for colonial history and cultural heritage.
Its past is linked to major events like the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War, reflecting Southern culture and community resilience.
Walking through this charming town, the colonial architecture and preserved historic buildings reveal the story of a vibrant community that has endured over time, with historic districts and local neighborhoods rich in historical significance.
New Bern’s focus on heritage tourism and historic preservation, including efforts in maintaining historical landmarks and colonial architecture, helps maintain its historical importance.
What was New Bern’s Role in the American Revolution?
During the American Revolution, New Bern was a key center for political and military activity in North Carolina. Its strategic location near the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers made it an ideal hub for troops, maritime shipping, and vital wartime supplies, while its public buildings served as gathering places for patriot leaders planning revolutionary strategy.
Notable figures like Richard Caswell and John F. McRee emerged from this active town, profoundly shaping state and national history. Caswell first arrived in New Bern in 1745 as an ambitious 16-year-old apprentice. Through dedication and intellect, he rose to become a skilled surveyor, lawyer, colonial legislator, and Revolutionary militia general. In 1776, his leadership culminated in his election as North Carolina’s first independent state governor, cementing New Bern’s reputation as a cradle of American democracy.
The New Bern Municipal Building and Tryon Palace, once sites for the Colonial Assembly, hosted heated debates that influenced the direction of the war, while Fort Hancock provided an important defensive stronghold against British naval forces. Local militias demonstrated remarkable resilience, underscoring New Bern’s crucial contributions to the fight for independence.
How did New Bern Get its Name?
New Bern, named after the Swiss city of Bern, reflects the cultural heritage of its early European settlers who aimed to build a new community in America. Founded in 1710 by Swiss nobleman Christoph von Graffenried alongside German immigrants, the name connects directly to their homeland and symbolizes a vision for a prosperous future in the colonies.
This link to Bern highlights the settlers’ intention to bring their values and traditions to a land full of opportunities. The bear symbol of Bern, Switzerland, remains an enduring emblem throughout the city today. As the colonial capital of North Carolina, New Bern became a primary center for governance, commerce, and culture.
Top 12 Must-Visit Landmarks in New Bern
When visiting New Bern, North Carolina, you’ll discover a variety of landmarks showcasing the town’s rich history and architecture, along with museums of history, historic homes, and preserved battlefields that offer unique experiences.
Highlights include Tryon Palace, the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, and the New Bern Academy Museum, each providing a unique look into colonial governance, industrial innovation, and Southern history.
1. Tryon Palace & Historic Gardens
Tryon Palace, originally completed in 1770 for Governor William Tryon, exemplifies colonial Georgian architecture and is a premier historical site in New Bern. It draws visitors from around the nation with its meticulously restored period rooms and expansive 16 acres of gardens.
Built in the 18th century, the palace served as North Carolina’s first permanent colonial capital and governor’s residence, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours offer detailed insights into colonial governance, domestic life, and the political struggles of the pre-Revolutionary era.
The carefully designed gardens provide a serene landscape showcase, featuring English-style flowerbeds, formal wilderness alleys, and heritage kitchen gardens that change beautifully with the seasons.
2. New Bern Academy Museum
The New Bern Academy Museum highlights the town’s long-standing dedication to education, military history, and civic development. Founded in 1764, it was the first school in North Carolina established by legislative act.
During the Civil War, following the March 14, 1862 Battle of New Bern, Union forces under General Ambrose Burnside captured the city. New Bern became North Carolina’s largest continuously occupied city for the remainder of the war. During this occupation, the New Bern Academy was repurposed as a major Union military hospital, treating thousands of wounded soldiers and serving as a hub for military medical care.
Today, visitors can explore four distinct permanent exhibits covering Civil War medicine, 19th-century education, local architecture, and the town’s early history.
3. North Carolina History Center
The North Carolina History Center is an active, green-certified hub for learning about regional and state history, featuring interactive exhibitions, historical artifacts, and immersive digital displays.
Located on the Trent River waterfront, the center includes the Regional History Museum, the interactive Pepsi Family Center, and the Commissioning Station. Visitors can explore native history collections, colonial trade artifacts, and regional environmental history through family-friendly, hands-on learning experiences.
4. The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola (Caleb Bradham’s Drugstore)
Located at the intersection of Middle and Pollock Streets in historic downtown New Bern stands the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous beverages. In 1893, local pharmacist Caleb Bradham invented “Brad’s Drink” at his soda fountain to aid digestion and boost energy.
Formulated with a blend of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and cola nuts, the refreshing beverage gained immense popularity. In 1898, Bradham renamed his invention “Pepsi-Cola,” officially registering the trademark in 1903. The iconic early logo and bottle branding were crafted with the help of prominent local photographer Bayard Wootten.
Today, visitors can step inside the recreated historic soda fountain to enjoy an ice-cold Pepsi, browse vintage memorabilia, and purchase unique Pepsi-Cola souvenirs.
5. Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church, with its striking Gothic Revival architecture and rich history, is a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of New Bern. Established in 1715, the parish holds a royal charter and historic gifts from King George II, including a 1752 Book of Common Prayer and silver communion service.
The present church building, erected in 1871 following a fire, showcases detailed stained glass windows, historic brick masonry, and fine interior woodwork that draw architecture enthusiasts and heritage travelers alike.
6. Attmore-Oliver House
The Attmore-Oliver House is an impressive antebellum building that gives visitors a look into 19th-century life in New Bern, showcasing elegant Federal-style architecture and antique period furnishings.
Built in 1790 and enlarged in the 1830s, the home features classic Federal proportions, decorative cornices, and beautiful heart-pine flooring. Operated by the New Bern Historical Society, it houses historical artifacts and serves as headquarters for local preservation initiatives.
7. First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church in New Bern is both a vibrant place of worship and an architectural historic landmark, featuring a blend of Gothic Revival and Colonial architectural influences.
Established in the early 19th century, the church features a dramatic steeple and intricate stained glass windows that reflect the craftsmanship of its era. It continues to play a vital role in local community outreach, cultural events, and historical preservation.
8. New Bern Firemen’s Museum
The New Bern Firemen’s Museum highlights the brave history of firefighting in North Carolina. New Bern claims the state’s oldest fire company, established in 1845, along with the rival Atlantic Fire Company and the Button Company.
Visitors can inspect vintage steam-powered fire engines, historic leather helmets, hand-drawn hose reels, and personal memorabilia. The museum also recounts the legendary story of Fred, the fire horse who served faithfully for over 17 years.
9. Historic Downtown New Bern
Historic Downtown New Bern is a vibrant, highly walkable district lined with boutique shops, antique stores, art galleries, and acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants.
Strolling through the picturesque streets reveals centuries of preserved brick and timber architecture. Visitors can sample regional coastal seafood, explore local artisan crafts, and participate in lively seasonal events like MumFest, ArtWalk, and waterfront concert series.
10. Union Point Park
Union Point Park is a scenic 6-acre waterfront park located where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet in downtown New Bern. It offers panoramic river views, picnic pavilions, children’s play areas, and paved walking paths.
The park is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, including fishing, kayaking, boat watching, and attending community festivals and summer concerts along the riverfront.
11. Cedar Grove Cemetery
Established in 1800 following a devastating yellow fever epidemic, Cedar Grove Cemetery is one of North Carolina’s most evocative and historically significant burial grounds. Entered through an impressive shell-stone “Weeping Arch,” local legend holds that if a drop of water falls on you as you pass underneath, you will be the next to enter the gates.
The cemetery serves as the final resting place for prominent colonial leaders, Revolutionary War patriots, and military veterans. Notably, it contains a historic mass Confederate grave containing 67 soldiers killed during the March 14, 1862 Battle of New Bern, marked by a magnificent white marble monument erected in 1885.
12. New Bern Battlefield Park
Located just minutes from downtown, New Bern Battlefield Park is a pristine 30-acre historic site that preserves the core ground of the March 14, 1862 Battle of New Bern. Maintained by the New Bern Historical Society, the park protects original earthen defensive breastworks and artillery positions (known as redans).
Visitors can walk elevated wooden boardwalks and gravel trails equipped with 35+ detailed interpretive panels, a 30-foot ground battle map, and a visitor pavilion detailing the tactical troop movements of Union and Confederate forces during the engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Historic New Bern and why is it significant?
Historic New Bern is a coastal city in Eastern North Carolina that served as the state’s first permanent colonial capital. It is significant as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, a major Revolutionary War headquarters, the site of the 1862 Civil War Battle of New Bern, and home to Tryon Palace.
2. How many landmarks are included in this guide?
This guide highlights 12 of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in New Bern, ranging from Tryon Palace and the Birthplace of Pepsi to Cedar Grove Cemetery and New Bern Battlefield Park.
3. What is the most famous landmark in Historic New Bern?
The most famous landmark is Tryon Palace, a faithfully reconstructed 18th-century British Royal Governor’s palace set amidst 16 acres of historic gardens.
4. Can visitors tour the inside of Tryon Palace and New Bern Academy?
Yes! Tryon Palace offers guided costumed tours of the palace interior and historic homes. The New Bern Academy Museum offers free self-guided exploration of Civil War medicine and education exhibits.
5. Are there Civil War sites to visit in New Bern?
Yes. Primary Civil War sites include New Bern Battlefield Park (a 30-acre preserved battlefield with original earthen redans), the New Bern Academy Museum (used as a Union military hospital), and Cedar Grove Cemetery (featuring a mass grave for soldiers from the 1862 battle).
6. Where was Pepsi-Cola invented?
Pepsi-Cola was invented in 1893 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham at his drugstore soda fountain located at Middle and Pollock Streets in historic downtown New Bern, NC.
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