New Bern History Along the Waterways

When you cruise the scenic Trent and Neuse Rivers with 2 River Cruises, you're not just enjoying beautiful waterfront views—you're traveling through more than 300 years of fascinating New Bern history.

Where New Bern Began

Long before European settlers arrived, the area was home to the Tuscarora people, who established villages along the rivers that provided transportation, food, and trade routes. In 1710, Swiss and German settlers founded New Bern, naming it after Bern, Switzerland.

Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, New Bern quickly became one of North Carolina's most important colonial ports and later served as the state's first capital. The waterfront bustled with wharves, boat builders, warehouses, fish markets, and merchant ships trading with New England and the West Indies.

The River of Peace

The Neuse River derives its name from the Native American Neusiok people and is often translated as the "River of Peace." It is the longest river entirely within North Carolina, stretching approximately 275 miles before opening into the expansive Neuse River Estuary, one of the widest river mouths on the East Coast.

The river played a significant role in the Tuscarora War (1711-1715), a conflict between Native American nations and European settlers. Following the decisive Battle of Fort Neoheroka, many Tuscarora survivors migrated north to join the Iroquois Confederacy.

Bridges, Boats, and Maritime Heritage

As you cruise through New Bern, you'll likely pass beneath the Alfred Cunningham Bridge, one of only a handful of remaining drawbridges in North Carolina. The bridge honors Alfred Cunningham, an early Marine Corps aviator whose legacy lives on at Cunningham Field at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Further up the Neuse River, beyond the railroad trestle, sits Hatteras Yachts, one of the most respected yacht manufacturers in the world.

New Bern's rich shipbuilding tradition also includes Barbour Boat Works, which built military vessels during World War II, including naval and Coast Guard ships, as well as commercial and recreational vessels. Today, its legacy lives on through exhibits preserving the area's maritime history.

Historic Waterfront Landmarks

Union Point

Today a beautiful gathering place where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet, Union Point once supported commercial sawmills, seafood processing operations, and naval stores industries vital to New Bern's economy.

Baxter Clock

Located on Pollock Street, the Baxter Clock is exceptionally rare and is one of only three operational Seth Thomas post clocks still in use today.

Sudan Temple

This historic downtown landmark once hosted entertainment acts including Elvis Presley and his band during the 1950s.

Tryon Palace

Completed in 1770, Tryon Palace served as North Carolina's first permanent capitol and the residence of Royal Governor William Tryon. Nearby, the North Carolina History Center offers interactive exhibits highlighting the state's people, culture, and environment, along with beautiful waterfront views and dining at Lawson's On The Creek.

Nature Along the Rivers

New Bern's waterways are surrounded by remarkable natural beauty.

Lawson Creek Park features a scenic marsh boardwalk extending nearly a quarter mile through coastal wetlands, offering excellent opportunities to observe birds and native wildlife.

Just outside the city lies Croatan National Forest, established in 1936 and spanning more than 160,000 acres. The forest contains pine forests, estuaries, swamps, and unique habitats that support black bears, white-tailed deer, alligators, ospreys, wading birds, and even the famous Venus flytrap.

New Bern on the Big Screen

The charm of New Bern has attracted filmmakers for decades. The city has appeared in productions including The Notebook, The Wedding, and A Bend in the Road, showcasing its historic architecture and picturesque waterfront setting.

Hurricane Florence and New Bern's Resilience

In September 2018, Hurricane Florence brought historic flooding and storm surge to New Bern, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and waterfront properties. The community's resilience and recovery efforts have restored much of the city's charm, with many businesses and attractions reopening stronger than ever.

Experience History from the Water

Many of New Bern's most important stories began along the Trent and Neuse Rivers. From Native American settlements and colonial trade routes to shipbuilding, military history, and modern waterfront life, the rivers continue to shape the city today.

Join us on one of our scenic river cruises and discover why New Bern's history is best experienced from the water.