Craven was first created as Archdale Precinct of Bath County in 1705. The name was changed about 1712. It was named in honor of William Lord Craven, one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. It is in the eastern section of the State and is bounded by Carteret, Jones, Lenoir, Pitt, Beaufort and Pamlico counties. The present land area is 695.41 square miles and the population in 1990 was 81,613. The county seat was first called Chattawka, or Chattoocka, and later. in 1723, Newbern. New Bern - the law fixed the spelling in 1897 - is the county seat.

New Bern, NC is one of the most fascinating and unique cities in the USA.It is a city with a rich tapestry of historic places and famous firsts. Its history and history makers have left an enduring mark on the fabric of this area, the state, and the nation. Just as in the 18th century, in true "southern fashion", a warm welcome awaits those who come. With the available educational resources, modern health care, recreational opportunities, friendly people, low crime, and mild climate New Bern has become a favorite retirement location.

In 1765, royal governor William Tryon established New Bern as the first permanent capital of the North Carolina colony. After the Revolution, New Bern served as the first state capital for four state governors. The capital moved to Raleigh in 1794 to satisfy the complaints of the westerners, who claimed that the capital was so far to the east that they had no voice in the government.

In 3 centuries New Bern has contributed much to history. Pepsi was invented in New Bern by Caleb Bradham in a local drug store and was first called "Brad's Drink". The first printing press in the colony was located here. The first postal system was established in New Bern. In 1829, James Gill invented the revolver here. The first motion picture theater in the state to be built from the ground up was build in New Bern, back when movies were considered to be just a passing fancy. Much of New Bern's 3 centuries of history can be seen today at The Historic Society Museum, the Civil War Museum, the Fireman's Museum, and the Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens.

Today, New Bern is a progressive city located approximately halfway between New York and Florida and approximately 40 miles from the North Carolina coast. Terrain throughout this coastal region is level. Some 57% of the land in Craven County is forested with tall long-leaf pines and mixed hardwoods. Urban land use totals less than 1% of the area in Craven County. Surface crops cover 15% of the county land area with corn, soybeans, tobacco and cotton.

New Bern is well-served by land, air, and water routes. Major highways serving New Bern are U.S. 70, U.S. 17, and N.C. 55. Craven Regional Airport is serviced by US Air and serves a five-county region. Historic New Bern can also be reached by yacht from the Intracoastal Waterway by a clearly marked channel, 8' to 12' with little noticeable tidal effect, up the very wide Neuse River. The Neuse is 1 mile wide at New Bern and several miles wide just downstream.

The world's largest Marine Corp Air Station is located 18 miles from New Bern and is the area's largest employer pumping over half a billion dollars into the local economy. Weyerhaeuser, the tree growing company is located in New Bern, as is Hatteras Yacht, the world's most exclusive production yacht. There are four corporate or division headquarters here. Tourism is a steady growing force with over one million tourists since 1959 and the trend is accelerating with the discovery of North Carolina's well kept secrets. Agriculture also plays an important role in this area's economic affairs. New Bern is also the primary trade area for several nearby counties.

Attractions

Attmore-Oliver House - 513 Broad Street, (252)638-8558. This home (c.1790), headquarters for the New Bern Historical Society, exhibits 18th and 19th century furniture and New Bern historical objects, including Civil War artifacts, and a unique doll collection. Can be rented for special occasions and business meetings

Bank of the Arts - 317 Middle Street, (252)638-2787. This former bank building (c.1913), headquarters of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery, is both a cultural and an architectural treat. Changing exhibitions of various media such as painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, and fiber art by artists of the southeastern United States are provided free of charge in the gallery area.

Bellair Plantation - 1100 Washington Post Road, (252)637-3913. Bellair Plantation House is on the National Register of Historical Places. The building is the last and largest 18th century brick plantation country house in NC. Rooms in the house have twelve ft. ceilings, wide heart-pine floors and original family furniture.

Birthplace of Pepsi - 256 Middle Street, (252)636-5895. On this spot in his pharmacy, Caleb Bradham invented "Brad's Drink" which later he patented as Pepsi Cola. Today you can relax and enjoy a Pepsi Cola at the recreated soda fountain.

Cedar Grove Cemetery - Corner of Queen and George Streets, (252)636-4000. In this cemetery are graves that date back to the earliest days of our nation. There is a monument for the Confederate dead which contains graves of 70 soldiers.

Cherry Point MCAS - Cherry Point, (252)466-4906. The largest Marine Corps Air Station in the nation. Tours are available and might include observation of military working dogs, flying squadrons such as harriers, search and rescue helicopters, a crash fire & rescue demonstration, or windshield tour of air station.

Croatan National Forest - 141 E. Fisher Avenue, (252)638-5628. This was one site of a battle that was fought in New Bern during the Civil War.

Farmer's Market - 421 S. Front Street, (252)638-4408. Fresh local produce is available. Also a location for special community gatherings and events.

Fireman's Museum - 408 Hancock Street, (252)636-4087. This building, beside the modern Broad Street fire station in New Bern, houses steam pumpers and an extensive collection of early fire-fighting equipment along with rare photographs, Civil War relics, and even the mounted head of a faithful old firehorse named Fred, who died while answering an alarm.

National Cemetery - National Avenue, (252)637-2912. The graves of brave soldiers who fought and died for our country make up this cemetery.

New Bern Civic Theatre (Saax Bradbury Playhouse) - 414 Pollock Street, (252)633-0567. The theater presents dramas, comedies, musicals and even performances in sign language.

New Bern Tours (Trolley Tour) - 333 Middle Street, (252)637-7316. Discover three centuries of history and architectural beauty in a 90 minute trolley car tour of downtown New Bern. Professional guides will recount the fascinating details of this former royal capital of North Carolina.