Tuesday, June 26, 2012

New Bern

Founded in 1710 by Baron Christopher de Graffenried of Bern, Switzerland, New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina and the first state capital.




A big fire during the Civil War burned a number of homes in what is the historic downtown. Since the town of New Bern was occupied very early in the war by the "Federals" (Union Army forces), many of the old houses were saved. When the residents returned to town after the war, many of their homes were occupied by freedmen and squatters, and it took many years for the ravages of the war to disappear. The First Presbyterian Church, however, had been used as a Union hospital during the war and had sustained significant damage during the Battle of New Bern and its subsequent medical use.




Pepsi Cola was invented in New Bern in 1898. It was originally called "Brad's Drink" after Caleb Bradham, the pharmacist who invented it.

This is the Harvey Mansion Historic Inn and Restaurant. It was located directly across the street from our hotel. I have to tell you that we enjoyed one of the best meals ever!! I've never had Lobster Bisque before, but it was so delicious, I could have licked the plate :-) A very worthwhile place to stop if you are ever in the area.

8 comments:

Kathy Walker said...

Thank you for the tour. I love looking at historical buildings and thinking of times long ago.

LV said...

Thank you, and I enjoyed the great historical tour.

Marlee said...

What a charming town! Would love to visit one day.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Home of Pepsi...who knew!
LOVE your pink dishes in your hutch and can't wait to see the blue ones!
Deb :)

NatureStop said...

Great tour of a beautiful place. Have a great day!

Shantana

Carol said...

Looks like an interesting place to visit.

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

What gorgeous pictures in your post, and how interesting about Pepsi--I never knew that!

Diann said...

I would love to visit this place. I enjoy old historical towns like this. thank you for taking us along with you for a tour! Thank you for your visit and I hope you are having a fantastic day! Hugs, Diann :)