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As many of you know...I called New Bern, NC "home" from 1994 - 2007 before moving to Charlotte. I met my wonderful wife of 10+ years in New Bern. I owned a successful business in New Bern from 1994 - 1998 before starting my career in wireless... Our first (and 2nd) home was in New Bern. Anna's family restaurant has been in New Bern since 1991.
In 2010, New Bern will celebrate it's 300 year Anniversary!
New Bern, NC - Founded in 1710 at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers, New Bern was settled by Swiss and German adventurers led by Baron Christopher de Graffenried from Bern, Switzerland. New Bern is the second oldest town in the state. Royal Governor William Tryon made this seaport his colonial capitol and residence, Tryon Palace, was built in 1770.
A major port and trading center in the 1800's, New Bern was captured and occupied by the Union Army after a fierce battle on March 14, 1862.
New Bern has three historic districts with homes, stores, and churches dating as far back as the early 18th century. In fact, there are 36 individual listings and more than 150 sites included in the National Register of Historic Places. History abounds around every corner, with over 150 landmarks -some dating to the 18th century- representing a variety of architectural periods.
Religion has always played an important role in city history, and church graveyards chronicle the lives of the early settlers. Christ Church parish was established in 1715, and the first church building was constructed in 1750. King George II of England gave the church a silver communion service, a prayer book, and a Bible in 1752 that are still in use. The second church was destroyed in a fire that swept away several buildings in the late 1870's, and today's church was built on the old foundations. Stones in the graveyard date back before 1800. First Presbyterian Church, established in 1817, was used as a hospital and lookout during the Civil War. The belfry still shows carved names and initials of Union soldiers. One of the founding members of the church was an African American woman. Cedar Grove Cemetery has the graves of Confederates who died in the Battle of New Bern, and the National Cemetery holds the remains of Union soldiers and veterans of later wars.
There are several fine museums. The Firemen's Museum has restored equipment and displays honoring more than two centuries of firefighters. The New Bern Academy, built circa 1806, is the oldest chartered school in the state and is now a museum that houses artifacts that focus on education, architecture, and the Civil War. -newbern.com/history
The history of New Bern is something I've always found facinating...simply strolling around downtown, you can find buildings that date back to the mid 1700's. During our Outer Banks Run in 2003, New Bern was the "host city" where folks came and several S2000 owners commented on the charm of downtown New Bern. If you are ever in the area, visit and enjoy!
Anna and I decided to drive around downtown New Bern this past Saturday and snap some pictures...I figured you'd enjoy some of them and at the same time, appreciate some of the rich history...ENJOY!
Tryon Palace (originally built in 1770 as the first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina) CLICK HERE for Aerial Photo
Birthplace of Pepsi store (actually across the street from the original - now gone - pharmacy that served Pepsi back in 1898) CLICK HERE for Historical Photo
East Front Street - riverfront homes in this historic district date back to the early 1700's CLICK HERE for Historical Photo
Thanks Dave! Can't believe HOW long I lived in New Bern and never really snapped these photos...guess it's true what they say about appreciating what you've got and all.
New Bern Tour
pics! Was last down there in Sept. Hope to be there again in Aug on my way to SC. 
