New Bern history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of New Bern dates back to 1710. The city was founded by the Swiss Baron Christoph von Graffenried, who named the new settlement after his home city — Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The first inhabitants were immigrants from Switzerland and Germany, seeking better living conditions in these lands.

Key Factors of Development

Several important circumstances contributed to the rapid development of the city, transforming a small settlement into a significant regional centre:

• Geographical Location: New Bern is situated at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers. Deep waters and convenient access to the ocean made it an ideal location for shipping and trade.
• Political Status: The city became the first permanent capital of the North Carolina colony. The symbol of this authority was Tryon Palace — a luxurious residence for the British governor, built in 1770.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 18th century, New Bern flourished as a wealthy port city and cultural hub. The economy was built on the export of timber and naval stores (tar and turpentine). The city was also renowned for its education and progressive nature: it was here that North Carolina's first printing press was opened and the state's first newspaper began publication.

Major Milestones in the City's History

• 1710: Baron Christoph von Graffenried founds the settlement, naming it after the Swiss city of Bern.
• 1723: New Bern officially receives the status of an incorporated city and begins to grow as a trading port.
• 1749: James Davis installs the first printing press in North Carolina here.
• 1751: The "North Carolina Gazette" begins publication — the first newspaper in the state's history.
• 1770: Construction is completed on Tryon Palace, which became the first permanent capital of the colony and the governor's residence.
• 1774: The city hosts the First Provincial Congress of North Carolina, strengthening New Bern's political significance.
• 1791: The first US President, George Washington, visits the city during his tour of the southern states.
• 1898: Pharmacist Caleb Bradham invents a beverage recipe in his pharmacy, which would soon become famous worldwide as Pepsi-Cola.
• 1922: A major fire destroys a significant portion of wooden structures, leading to a renewal of the city's architectural appearance.
• 1959: After meticulous reconstruction, Tryon Palace opens to the public, becoming the region's main attraction.
• 2010: New Bern ceremoniously celebrates its 300th anniversary, organising large-scale festive events.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of New Bern is a journey from a colonial port to an important tourist centre in North Carolina. Several key stages can be highlighted that had a decisive influence on the economy, culture, and architectural appearance of the city.

• Establishment as a Political Capital (1760s–1770s):

  The construction of Tryon Palace was a turning point in urban planning. It transformed New Bern from a simple trading settlement into an administrative centre and a "showcase" of British colonial power, setting a high standard of architecture for the entire region.

• Development of River Logistics and Trade:

  Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, the city quickly became a key export hub. The early economy relied on the export of so-called "naval stores" (tar, pitch, turpentine) and timber, which formed a wealthy merchant class.

• Cultural and Information Breakthrough (Mid-18th Century):

  The installation of the first printing press by James Davis made New Bern the intellectual centre of the colony. This event was of immense importance for the dissemination of information and laws, cementing the city's status as a leader of public opinion.

• Era of the "Timber Boom" (Late 19th – Early 20th Century):

  During this period, New Bern experienced a powerful economic upswing thanks to the logging industry. The appearance of large sawmills and the development of railway connections attracted new investments and significantly increased the city's population.

• Birth of a Global Business (1898):

  Caleb Bradham's invention of the "Pepsi-Cola" drink in a local pharmacy put the city on the global business map. This event became a symbol of New Bern's entrepreneurial spirit and remains an important part of its tourism brand today.

• Urban Renewal (After 1922):

  The devastating fire of 1922, which destroyed over 1,000 buildings, was a tragic but important milestone. The restoration of the city was conducted taking into account new safety and planning standards, which changed the architectural landscape of many districts.

• Reorientation towards Historical Tourism (Since the 1950s):

  The large-scale reconstruction of Tryon Palace and the creation of historic districts marked the transition of the city's economy to tourism. preserving heritage became not just a cultural mission, but the main driver of local development.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

New Bern is a unique example of American urban planning, where architectural layers clearly reflect economic upturns and historical upheavals. The city layout, established back in the early 18th century, has preserved a strict grid of streets oriented towards the river confluence, highlighting the city's historical role as a major port.

The architectural development of the city can be divided into several key eras, each leaving its mark on the appearance of the streets:

Georgian Style (Colonial Era, 18th Century)

This period is characterised by strictness, symmetry, and the influence of British architectural canons. Buildings of this era demonstrated status and power.

• Characteristic features: Brickwork, symmetrical facades, massive chimneys, and classical proportions.
• Landmark object: Tryon Palace. This is arguably the most striking example of the Georgian style in the region. Originally built as the residence of the Royal Governor, it became a symbol of British rule and a benchmark for local wealthy landowners.

Federal Style (Period of Prosperity, 1790–1830)

New Bern is often called the "City of Federal Style". After the War of Independence, thanks to the development of trade, local merchants began to build elegant and sophisticated homes demonstrating their wealth.

• Characteristic features: Lightness of structures, use of fanlights above doors, exquisite wood carving, and side-hall plans.
• Landmark objects: The John Wright Stanly House — a magnificent example of this style, demonstrating the transition from the heaviness of the Georgian style to the elegance of the young republic.

Greek Revival and Gothic (Mid-19th Century)

In the pre-war years (before the Civil War), styles appealing to romance and antiquity gained popularity. This was a time of constructing public buildings and majestic temples.

• Characteristic features: Columns and porticos reminiscent of ancient Greek temples (Greek Revival), as well as pointed arches and verticality (Gothic Revival).
• Landmark objects: First Presbyterian Church with its classic portico and Christ Episcopal Church, designed in the Gothic Revival style, reminiscent of medieval European cathedrals.

Victorian Era (Late 19th Century)

The boom in the logging industry led to the emergence of new wealthy neighbourhoods. Architecture became more decorative, complex, and eclectic.

• Characteristic features: Asymmetry, turrets, expansive verandas, use of carved wood ("gingerbread houses"), and a variety of textures.
• Styles: Queen Anne, Second Empire, Italianate. These houses can often be found in the historic residential quarters surrounding the centre.

Recovery and Modernism (After 1922)

The Great Fire of 1922 destroyed a huge part of the city, especially the working-class districts. Reconstruction proceeded in the spirit of the times, with an emphasis on fire safety and modern trends.

• Characteristic features: More modest but functional homes, often made of brick. The "Craftsman" style and bungalows gained popularity.
• Urban planning effect: The fire led to the renewal of entire blocks, where wooden buildings were replaced by neat brick cottages with wide porches, forming the cosy appearance of residential areas today.

Famous Residents and Natives of New Bern

The rich history of the city is inextricably linked with the names of people whose achievements went far beyond North Carolina. From the founding fathers to modern cultural figures, these personalities shaped the unique character of New Bern.

• Christoph von Graffenried (1661–1743)
  City founder, Swiss Baron
  It was he who led a group of Swiss and German settlers to these lands in 1710. Graffenried not only chose a strategically important location at the confluence of rivers but also named the settlement after the capital of his homeland, laying the foundations of the city's planning.
• James Davis (1721–1785)
  First printer and publisher
  A pioneer of printing in the region. In 1749, he opened North Carolina's first printing house in New Bern and later began publishing the colony's first newspaper. His activities turned the city into an information centre of the Enlightenment era in the southern US.
• Richard Dobbs Spaight (1758–1802)
  Politician, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA
  A native of New Bern who became a prominent statesman. He was one of the signatories of the US Constitution and the first native of North Carolina to serve as the state's governor. He died as a result of a famous duel with political rival John Stanly.
• William Gaston (1778–1844)
  Jurist, congressman, and poet
  A distinguished State Supreme Court judge known for his fight for religious freedom and the abolition of slavery. He is also the author of the lyrics to the official state anthem — "The Old North State".
• Caleb Bradham (1867–1934)
  Pharmacist and entrepreneur
  The most famous businessman in the city's history. In 1898, in his pharmacy in downtown New Bern, he invented a recipe for a refreshing drink intended to improve digestion. Soon, this beverage received the name Pepsi-Cola and brought the city worldwide fame.
• Gertrude Carraway (1896–1993)
  Journalist, historian, and public figure
  The woman thanks to whom New Bern preserved its greatest treasure. She led a massive campaign to find original blueprints and funding for the restoration of Tryon Palace, which is today the city's calling card.
• Kevin Williamson (born 1965)
  Screenwriter and producer
  A famous modern filmmaker, creator of the cult franchise "Scream" and the series "Dawson's Creek". The atmosphere of his childhood spent in New Bern and its surroundings is often reflected in the landscapes and plots of his works.