What Happened in New Bern during April New Bern Historical Society 2019 By Claudia Houston
Did you know that in April of 1791, George Washington, first President of the United States, visited and slept in New Bern?
In May of 1789 Washington decided that he would visit every state in the country. By the end of August 1790 he had been to all the northeastern states but delayed a trip to the southern states mainly because North Carolina had not yet ratified the U.S. Constitution. Once that occurred on 13 Nov. 1790, he began his plans for a Southern Tour to personally observe and meet the people of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and to determine the strength of the newly formed United States of America in those areas.
Washington’s one hundred day journey of one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven miles through the South began March 21, 1791. He left in a white coach from the then United States capitol at Philadelphia and reached Halifax, North Carolina on April 16, 1791. On the morning of April 20, the President was greeted on the outskirts of New Bern by a group of leading citizens who escorted him into town. It is believed that he stayed at the home of the late John Wright Stanly whose home was quite elegant, though empty. Legend has it that New Bernians opened it up and cleaned it and furnished it for the President.
The next day Washington walked around town and visited Christ Church, and the historic Cypress Tree at the end of Change Street. Washington had requested to see this spot under which Richard Dobbs Spaight, later Governor of North Carolina, had promised aid to Nathaniel Greene during the Revolution. Washington kept a diary during the Tour, and was “exceedingly” pleased with his reception in New Bern. The town received him with cannon fire, speeches, a grand dinner and a ball at Tryon Palace, and with great respect and admiration. That afternoon, Washington was feted at a public dinner and ball at Tryon Palace at which fifteen toasts were given. Washington left early as he was being honored at another ball at the home of Colonel Leech. The President, a lifelong Mason, received greetings from St. John’s Lodge No 2 and he responded to them on April 29, 1791. The communication was read to all the members and entered into the minutes of the Lodge.
On February 22, 1799, five years after Washington’s visit, his birthday was celebrated at Frilick’s Hotel in New Bern. It was the first such public honor of his birth and New Bernians celebrated it every year in grand fashion. Washington’s Birthday, after the President’s death, became a national holiday.
George Washington saw more of this country while in office than any other American president before the twentieth century. Hence the claim by many small towns and villages, “George Washington slept here.” But we know, in New Bern, he really did.
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 member of the Amherst College Class of 1863, where his father, William Stearns, was the college president. William wanted his son to become a minister, but Frazar wanted to be a scientist and was especially interested in chemistry. Frazar’s professor of chemistry, 35-year-old William Smith Clark, became an officer in the 21st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and encouraged many of his students to join. William Stearns initially denied approval for his son to enlist, but finally relented on the condition that Frazar join the 21st Massachusetts and remain close to Professor Clark. Lt. Col. Clark was in command of the regiment and 1st Lt. Stearns became his Adjutant.
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 buried prior to its creation?
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 were provided on the outside of the track for spectators. At 11 am approximately 3,000 spectators, guests and participants left the Gaston House Hotel accompanied by the New Bern Comet Band and proceeded to the grounds just beyond the city. The Knights were led to the arena by the Chief Marshal, Colonel John D. Whitford, who wore a yellow silk sash with a red rosette on the shoulder. His aides wore red sashes with white rosettes. The Knights, splendidly arrayed with fancy uniforms and bearing such names as Knight of Newbern, Knight of the Rolling Neuse, and Knight of Craven, were led to the speaker of the day, Ex-Governor Zebulon Vance.
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?
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 of flight training he was stationed in San Diego and then Hawaii, before being transferred to Wake Island. On December 8, 1941, (December 7, US time) the squad learned of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Japanese bombers soon flew over Wake Island in a surprise attack shortly before noon. As the alarm sounded, Conderman ran to his F4F-3 “Wildcat” Fighter plane but was cut down by strafing. Fellow Marines rushed to his aid, but Conderman pointed to other wounded Marines and said “Let me go. Take Care of them.” He died of his wounds just hours later at the age of 23. 2nd Lieutenant Robert Conderman received the Purple Heart and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (also known as the Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii. His name is inscribed at the top of the WWII Memorial of Craven County located on the grounds of the old county courthouse, which honors the deaths of local soldiers.
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.