New Bern

City and seat of Craven County, in eastern North Carolina; population (2000) 23,100. New Bern stands at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, 48 km/30 mi west of Pamlico Sound. This historic city was once the state capital and prospered from its extensive seaborne trade with New England and the West Indies.

Settled by Germans from Switzerland and the Rhineland Palatinate in 1710, New Bern is the second oldest city in North Carolina. It was almost completely destroyed in 1711 in an attack by the native Tuscarora, but was rebuilt and was incorporated in 1723. North Carolina's first printing press was founded in New Bern in 1749, while 1764 saw the inauguration here of the state's first school to be supported with public funds. The city served as colonial, provincial, and finally state capital in 1746–92. It was one of the region's main commercial, social, and cultural centres until it was captured by Confederate forces in 1862. After the Civil War, New Bern reestablished trade with New England. It is now a resort and commercial centre in an agricultural area producing tobacco, corn, cotton, and soft fruit. Manufactures include wood and stone products, boats, and processed foods. New Bern is also a service centre for the Marine air station at Cherry Point, 26 km/16 mi to the southeast. It is home to Craven Community College (founded 1965), and to a growing retirement community.