Attmore-Oliver House Museum
New Bern
The Attmore-Oliver House, built in 1790 by prominent New Bernian Samuel Chapman, is headquarters for the New Bern Historical Society, exhibits 18th- and 19th-century furniture, a unique doll collection, and New Bern historical objects, including Civil War artifacts. Although some artifacts are original to the house, most pieces reflect the period of the Attmore family. The Civil War room displays artifacts, flags, textiles and manuscripts representing both the Union and Confederate. Fee charged. newbernhistory.org
Bentonville Battleground
Newton Grove
Civil War: NCDCR
Battle of Wyse Fork
Kinston
Civil War: Battle here March 7-10, 1865, was an attempt by Confederates to delay or halt a Federal advance on Goldsboro. The Union move was ordered by Gen. William T. Sherman in order to consolidate Northern forces and open a supply line to the coast. Able to slow the advance a little, the Confederates withdrew and Union troops continued west. This was the second largest battle fought in North Carolina with nearly 25,000 troops involved. March 8 and 10 Confederate attacks against the Union advance toward Kinston. Three miles east of Kinston, Confederate attacks here March 8 seized about 1,000 Union prisoners and forced a Federal retreat back toward New Bern. The tide turned later, with Union troops occupying Kinston. nps.gov
Battle of New Bern (Burnside Expedition)
New Bern
Civil War: After capturing Roanoke Island, Union Gen. Ambrose Burnside advanced toward New Bern. On March 13, 1862, Union infantry and naval forces approached the city but ran into opposition the next day from Confederates commanded by Gen. Lawrence O'B Branch. After heavy fighting, the Confederate lines were overwhelmed. Retreating Confederates set fire to warehouses full of military supplies and the Trent River bridge as Northern forces closed in by land and water March 14, 1862. New Bern was occupied and became a Federal stronghold in eastern North Carolina. Union officers took up residence in many of the city's finest buildings. The city became the focal point for nearly all Federal activity in North Carolina during the war. nps.gov
Belhaven Memorial Museum
Belhaven
The Belhaven Memorial Museum seeks to collect, display, and preserve historical and cultural artifacts and objects and to stimulate and encourage interest and support of the history, art, science, and culture of the Belhaven area, Beaufort County, and eastern North Carolina. The museum builds upon the unique and eclectic original collection of Mrs. Eva Blount Way and is housed on the second floor of the Belhaven Town Hall. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Museum began as the private collection by Eva Blount Way (1869-1962). Includes 30,000 buttons, dressed-flea wedding couple, antique dolls and toys, Civil War and World War artifacts, old money, furniture, farm tools, period fashions, an antique x-ray machine from a dentists office, and technological antiquities from around the world during the last two centuries. The Belhaven Memorial Museum is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. Belhaven Memorial Museum
Battle of Washington
Washington
Civil War: USS Pickett (Battle of Washington), Trails sign at the waterfront on Stewart Parkway, one block east of Route 17 - On Sept. 6, 1862, Confederates under Maj. Stephen Poole attacked a Union garrison here backed by gunboats including the USS Pickett (which exploded during the battle). Union reinforcements overcame initial Confederate success and drove the attackers away, maintaining Union control of the town. Siege of Washington, Trails sign at the EC Estuarium on Stewart Parkway, three blocks east of Route 17 - Hoping to reestablish Confederate supremacy somewhere in Eastern North Carolina, Gen. D.H. Hill staged actions against New Bern and Washington in March 1863. Unable to accomplish much at New Bern, Hill turned to Washington, besieging the town March 30-April 20. Hill held off Union gunboats downriver and infantry attacks against his fortified position five miles from town. Hill was called away by Lee and the siege was soon lifted by Union reinforcements. history/civilwr1
CSS Neuse State Historic Site & Governor Richard Caswell Memorial
Kinston
The site of the CSS Neuse, one of three Civil War ironclads, and the Richard Caswell Memorial rests on the banks of the Neuse River and tells stories that span two American wars. There is also a visitors center and exhibits including a guided tour of gunboat. Demonstrations are available for scheduled groups. Caswell Memorial is a self-guided museum depicting the life and career of North Carolina's first elected governor. Civil War: CSS Neuse State Historic Site, 2612 W. Vernon Ave. (Highway 70 Business) - The CSS Neuse, named after the river on which it was based, was constructed 1863 amid Confederate hopes the ironclad could help regain control over the rivers and sounds of eastern North Carolina. In April 1864, the Neuse, not yet fully equipped, left Kinston to help with a planned attack against New Bern. Before it reached its target, the Neuse ran aground and eventually returned to its base. On March 12, 1865, she was burned by her crew to prevent capture. The wreck remained in the river until 1963 when it was raised, then located in its present site. A small museum featuring a video presentation and artifacts from the wreck is located a short distance from where the remains of the Neuse (much of the wooden hull) are displayed. Some of the iron plating is displayed with its wooden lower structure. Open Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Free. 252-522-2091. Operating days and hours change from time to time. Call first. Civil War Trails sign on site. Cat Hole of the Neuse, Trails sign in Neuse Way Park, Heritage Street between King and Caswell streets - Work on the Confederate ironclad CSS Neuse was completed here, taking advantage of the high banks to lower machinery into the vessel. The Neuse steamed out from here April 22, 1864, but soon became stuck on a sandbar and returned. The Neuse fired shots at advancing Union troops March 12, 1865, before being scuttled by its crew. NCDCR
Foscue Plantation House
Pollocksville
The Foscue Plantation House built in 1803-04 is open for tours. The house stands at the heart of a sprawling plantation, reputed to have covered up to 10,000 acres on the Trent River between New Bern and Pollocksville. Today, this tastefully restored Old South plantation house stands tall as a majestic reminder of the era. During the War Between the States, it reportedly served as a hospital for the Northern troops, and was the only house left standing along what is now US Highway 17. The home is available for viewing on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and by appointment. Contact Rozelle Wicks (910) 743-5531 or Karen Adams (252) 637-7232. co.jones.nc.us
Jones House
New Bern
Civil War: This 1809 building was used to house Confederate prisoners after New Bern fell to Union forces in 1862. Confederate spy Emeline Pigott may have been imprisoned here. tryonpalace.org
Lenoir County Historical Association: Harmony Hall
Kinston
The Lenoir County Historical Association promotes the history of Lenoir County through educational programs and preservation of local historic sites including Harmony Hall. Harmony Hall was built in 1772 by Jesse Cobb and his wife, Elizabeth Heritage Cobb, and has served as a residence to prominent historical figures of Lenoir County. It housed the offices of James Glasgow, Secretary of State, until 1781. The State Board of War and other official meetings were held there at this time. During the Revolutionary period, it was owned by Richard Caswell, First Governor of North Carolina after Independence was gained from Great Britain. The house was also the site of a Civil War Hospital, Church Annex, Public Library, and Women's Club building. The house was remodeled around 1790, again in 1835, and the most recent restoration was completed in 1984. Harmony Hall is open to the public for tours and special occasions. historicalpreservationgroup.org
New Bern Academy Museum
New Bern
The New Bern Academy Museum building originally served as a school house for boys and girls, served as a hospital in the Civil War and in 1881 became part of the New Bern Graded School System. Today there are four permanent exhibits: Early New Bern History, Historic Architecture of New Bern, Civil War and History of Education in New Bern. ## Civil War: This early 19th-century building, which served as a military hospital during the Civil War, now houses exhibits focusing on the history of New Bern, including much on the Civil War. Topics covered include the Confederate defense of the town in 1862, the Union occupation and battles, and the structure's role as hospital. tryonpalace.org
New Bern Firemen's Museum
New Bern
The New Bern Firemen's Museum preserves artifacts and records relating to firefighting and to the New Bern Fire Department, the first fire department in North Carolina. The museum interprets firefighting equipment and department history for the education of present and future generations. The most noted feature is the mount of Fred, the fire horse that died in route to a fire. ## This building houses steam pumpers and an extensive collection of early fire-fighting equipment along with rare photographs. Features Civil War relics, and even the mounted head of a faithful old fire-horse named Fred, who died while answering an alarm. newbernmuseums.com
North Carolina's First Confederate Memorial
Washington
In 1888, Beaufort County became the first in the state to erect a monumnet honoring its Confederate dead. The monument, a replica of a Confederate soldier placed on a granite pedestal, now stands on the crest of a hill in Oakdale Cemetery. It was originally placed on the slight elevation where Water Street turns into MacNair Street, a location chosen so that ships coming up the Pamlico River would get, as their first glimpse of the town, the Confederate soldier on his pedestal. When a new railroad station was built and railroad activity changed the character of the location, the town decided to move the statue to the new cemetery. originalwashington.com
John Wright Stanley House
New Bern
Civil War: Birthplace of two men who chose different sides during the war, Edward Stanley, Unionist military governor of North Carolina and Confederate Gen. Lewis Armistead, who was mortally wounded at Gettysburg. The home also was the headquarters of Gen. Ambrose Burnside after the 1862 Batle of New Bern. tryonpalace.org
US Marine Corps Aviation Exhibit
Havelock
The USMC Aviation Exhibit located within the Havelock Tourist & Event Center feautes the history of Marine Corps Aviation. Restored aircraft, models, historic photographs and artifacts are on display. cityofhavelock.com
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