New Bern

New Bern
City
City of New Bern
Skyline of New Bern Skyline of New Bern
Flag of New Bern Flag Official seal of New Bern Seal
Nickname(s):  The Athens of North Carolina
Motto(s):  "First Capital of North Carolina"
Founded	1710
Founded by	Baron Christoph von Graffenried
Named for	Bern, Switzerland
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Body	New Bern Board of Aldermen
Area
• Total	77 km2 (29.7 sq mi)
• Land	70 km2 (27.0 sq mi)
• Water	7 km2 (2.7 sq mi)
Elevation	4 m (13 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	30,113
• Density	430.6/km2 (1,115.3/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	28560-28564
Area code(s)	252
Website	www.newbern-nc.org

New Bern is a city located in Craven County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Craven County and is situated at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers. With a population of 30,113 as of 2020, New Bern is the second-largest city in the Eastern North Carolina region.

History

New Bern was founded in 1710 by Baron Christoph von Graffenried, a Swiss nobleman. It was named after Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. The city served as the colonial capital of North Carolina from 1743 until 1789, making it the first capital of the state. During the American Revolutionary War, New Bern was occupied by British forces for a brief period.

Geography

New Bern is located at . The city has a total area of 29.7 square miles, of which 27.0 square miles is land and 2.7 square miles is water. It is situated on the coastal plain of North Carolina, with the Neuse River to the south and the Trent River to the east.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of New Bern was 30,113. The city has a population density of 1,115.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city is 62.3% White, 31.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race make up 8.2% of the population.

Economy

New Bern has a diverse economy with sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to several major employers, including CarolinaEast Medical Center, Craven County Schools, and Moen Incorporated. The tourism industry is also significant, with attractions such as Tryon Palace, a historic site and museum, drawing visitors from across the region.

Culture

New Bern is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city is often referred to as the "Athens of North Carolina" due to its historical significance and intellectual heritage. It is home to numerous historic sites, including the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, which is now a museum dedicated to the popular soft drink.

Education

New Bern is served by the Craven County School District, which operates several public schools in the city. The district also includes several charter schools and private schools. Higher education institutions in the area include Craven Community College and the University of Mount Olive.

Notable People

New Bern has been the birthplace or residence of several notable individuals, including:

• Pepsi-Cola inventor Caleb Bradham
• Former NFL player Walt Bellamy
• Author Nicholas Sparks
• Actress Beth Grant

External links

• Official website
• Visit New Bern