New Bern North Carolina USA

New Bern was first settled in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants under the leadership of Christoph von Graffenried and John Lawson. It was named after the capital of Switzerland, Bern.

The first permanent seat of the colonial government of North Carolina was located in New Bern. Following the American Revolutionary War, New Bern became the first state capital.

Christoph von Graffenried ordered that the layout of the town was made into the shape of a cross, although the town is not in the shape today due to growth of the town and towns surrounding it.

Tryon Palace completed in 1770 and was the former home of British governor William Tryon. It then became the original state capitol building of newly-independent North Carolina and remained so until the 1790s. A replica, built from the original plans and on the original foundation, is now maintained as a historic site and tourist attraction.

New Bern was the site of the Battle of New Bern early in the American Civil War in which the town was captured and occupied by Union forces.

New Bern is also known as the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, which was invented by New Bern pharmacist Caleb Bradham.