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
Aurora Fossil Museum
Aurora
The Aurora Fossil Museum collects and displays fossils from the coastal regions of North Carolina and also from other places throughout the world. Their emphasis is on the preservation and display of numerous exhibits of fossil remains that come from the PCS Phosphate mining operation. Using these fossils, the museum tells the story of the formation of the Coastal Plain from the birth of the Atlantic Ocean to the present. The museum has an outdoor fossil bed where children can search for fossils, and the museum sponsors an annual Fossil Festival. Discover prehistoric man, ocean life fifteen million or more years ago and geological formations. The museum boasts a large collection of fossils from the nearby PCS Phosphate mine and allows visitors to see fossilized bones, teeth, shells and coral. aurorafossilmuseum.com
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
Historic Bath State Historic Site
Bath
Historic Bath State Historic Site interprets 300 years of history of North Carolina's first town. Emphasis is given to the colonial period of Bath's history. The facility includes a visitors center and three historic houses that visitors can tour. NCDCR
Bath State Historic Site
Bath
Meander the streets of this historic waterfront community, which was the first incorporated town in NC. Home to Blackbeard the Pirate and the oldest church in North Carolina. Bath features guided tours of the Palmer-Marsh House (c. 1751), furnished Colonial home of wealthy official, and Bonner House (c. 1830), furnished home of a Bath planter. Van Der Veer House (c. 1790) is a self guided tour. Visit our on-site gift shop. The Bath State Historic Site is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. ## Ormond Amphitheater: This new amphitheater is being built for the Bath Tri-cenntenial celebration, and this summer will be the home of Blackbeard the Pirate, as well as other wonderful performances! historicbathnc.com
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
Christ Episcopal Church
New Bern
Founded as Craven Parish in 1715, it is the third-oldest church in North Carolina. Visitors may walk the historic church grounds - including the outdoor chapel, which is built over the site of the first church building (1752) - and visit the church building, including the Communion Silver given by King George II in 1752. 320 Pollock St. New Bern, NC 28560 christchurchnewbern.com
The Church Moved by the Hand of God
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
Since the late 19th century, Providence United Methodist Church has been known as ''The Church Moved by the Hand of God.'' Although in the ensuing years the story of this 'miracle' seems to have gotten the actual facts a little mixed up, no one can deny that the simple frame building at the rear of the present brick church seemed to be destined by fate. Somewhat frustrated when their efforts to obtain their chosen site on which to build a church were rebuffed by the land owner, Samuel R. Sadler, the group built on another lot in the village. On September 16, 1876, as their new church was being dedicated, a hurricane hit the village. Reportedly, heavy rains and wind tide pushed in from the Pamlico Sound and flooded the town, until the village and surrounding area were under five feet of water. The winds were strong and relentless, and the new church building was floated off its brick pilings and began the journey which gives the story credence. The church traveled north and then east, eventually reaching the exact piece of property the congregation had earlier attempted to purchase. After turning itself around facing Main Street, the church settled onto this higher piece of ground and remained there. Title to the land was eventually obtained in 1881. The Church Moved by the Hand of God holds regular worship services and the public is invited to attend. The church is one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. Hyde County
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
The Lords Proprietors
King Charles II made 8 loyal supporters Proprietors of his new colony, Carolina, which reached from the southern boundary of Virginia to the northern boundary of the Spanish colony of Florida. The western boundary of Carolina was to be the "South Seas."
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
Mattamuskeet Lodge
SwanQuarter, Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lodge is on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, on North Carolina's largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet. In November 2000, Mattamuskeet Lodge was closed to the public; however, visitors may still visit the grounds and learn the unique story of the Lodge. At the time is was completed in 1915, it was the largest pumping station in the world. Plans for the town of New Holland were laid out around the pumping station as a great effort was made to drain and farm the lake. Four huge centrifugal pumps were installed to pump water from the lake into a canal that was dug a distance of some seven miles from the Pamlico Sound. After several attempts to drain the lake failed, in 1932 the pumping plant was shut down and the lake began to refill. The property was sold to the U. S. Government in 1934 and soon after, the Civilian Conservation Corps (known as the ''CCC'' boys) helped to set up the refuge and convert the pumping plant into a rustic hunting lodge. Thus began a new era for this historic building and Hyde County, which soon became known as the ''Canada Goose Hunting Capitol of the World.'' Mattamuskeet Lodge opened in November 1937 and until the early 1970's hunters came from throughout the world to stay in the Lodge and hunt plentiful game. The Lodge closed in 1974 and was eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. It went mostly unused and falling into a state of disrepair until 1991 when ''Friends of Mattamuskeet Lodge,'' along with other organizations such as the Greater Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, the Partnership for the Sounds, and East Carolina University became involved in plans to turn it into an educational center with interpretative exhibits as well as a gathering place for the community. Mattamuskeet Lodge is on the Historic Albemarle Tour. This building is also one of 10 historic sites on the Hyde County Talking Houses and Historic Places driving tour. These sites are equipped with am radio transmitters which you can tune to from the convenience of your car to learn the history of the area. mattamuskeet/lodge
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
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
North Carolina Estuarium
Washington
Explore science, art, nature and history where the rivers meet the sea at the Pamlico/Tar River estuary. Seasonal river tours are available and groups are welcome (reservations suggested for groups.) ## The North Carolina Estuarium is a unique combination of science museum, history museum, and educational center. Its mission is to promote sustainable community-driven economic well being and stewardship in the Albemarle-Pamlico region through environmental education and nature-based and cultural tourism. The Estuarium defines and interprets the historical and modern day significance of the estuary through interactive exhibits including native living creatures, environmental artworks, creative audio-visual components, historic artifacts, K-12 educational programs, games, and activities, and river excursions aboard ECU's Aqualab. North Carolina Estuarium
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
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Garden
New Bern
Tryon Palace, built between 1767 and 1770, was the first permanent capitol of the British colony of North Carolina. It became North Carolina's first state capitol after independence was declared, then abandoned after Raleigh became capitol in 1794. The main structure was destroyed in a fire, but was restored by an effort spearheaded by New Bern native Mrs. James Edwin Latham. The maintenance and operation of the Palace was transferred to the state, which reopened the site in 1959. The Palace is comprised of the house and grounds, objects concerning Royal Governors William Tryon and Josiah Martin, materials from North Carolina Governors Richard Caswell, Abner Nash, Alexander Martin, and Richard Dobbs Spaight, several restored houses adjacent to the Palace grounds and several research collections. ## Tryon Palace was the 18th-century residence of the governor of the colony and state of North Carolina. The site also includes 14 acres of beautiful period gardens and three historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tryon Palace
Historic Washington Walking Tour
Washington
Step back in time as you enjoy this self-guided walking tour through Washington's Historic District including 18 antebellum buildings. This area is considered the ''cradle of the city.'' And this area is listed on the national Register of Historic Places. originalwashington.com