What Happened in New Bern in March By Claudia Houston, New Bern Historical Society The Battle of New Bern took place on March 14, 1862. Of the many stories of the brave Union and Confederate soldiers who fought that day, one of the most interesting is that of 21-year-old student Frazar Stearns. Stearns was a …
What New Bern property was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1997 and took an Act of Congress to create? If you answered the New Bern National Cemetery at 1711 National Avenue, established on February 1, 1867, you are correct. Why was it established, who is buried there and where were soldiers …
On January 1, 1867, a great celebration took place in New Bern. A tournament or “Ring” was held in which twenty-two knights, representing New Bern, Wilson and Kinston competed on a race track set up on the snow-covered banks of the Neuse River. Stands were erected for judges, the orator and the musicians, and wagons …
What Happened in New Bern in December Anyone who visits or lives in New Bern even for a short time, soon learns there is an active musical and theater community. The city abounds with talent, young and old alike. Beginning in the 1800’s, anyone who was anyone in musical theater, opera, and later, film appeared …
One of New Bern’s finest artisans died during this month in 1834. Who was he and how did he leave his mark on our young town? During the 1700’s-1800’s, New Bern was a prosperous town filled with skilled craftsmen of all types. Of New Bern’s many silversmiths, one of the most prominent was Freeman Woods. …
After the Civil War, as part of a reconstruction plan, William H. Holden was appointed the provisional Governor of North Carolina by President Andrew Johnson. He was ordered to call for a state convention to restore North Carolina to the Union, and to provide for the election of a new governor, state legislators and US …
A Formidable Fighting Family Robert J. “Strawberry” Conderman was the first person in Craven County to be killed in WWII. He was born August 13, 1918, and upon graduating from New Bern High School, entered the University of North Carolina, receiving a bachelor’s degree in commerce and becoming an aviation cadet at Pensacola. Upon completion …
On July 1, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 26th NC infantry encountered the famed 24th Michigan, known as the “Iron Brigade.” The battle was long and bloody, but the 26th NC defeated their opponent on that day. While their courage will be forever remembered, the unit suffered unparalleled loss. Prior …
A man credited with revolutionizing naval warfare was born in this month in New Bern. Gabriel James Rains was born in June 1803, the eldest son of Ester Ambrose and Gabriel Manigault Rains, a cabinet maker. He and his younger brother, George Washington Rains, both attended New Bern Academy and West Point, and were said …
In 1893, a local Pharmacist invented a drink named Pepsi Cola and started a company which by 1915 had $1 million in assets. However, on May 31, 1923, his company officially declared bankruptcy. Who was he and what happened? Pepsi-Cola Plant in New Bern at the corner of Hancock and Johnson Street which became Pepsi …