New Bern is one of the places I’d never been to. Until now.
New Bern was first settled in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants under the leadership of Baron Christopher De Graffenried. The city is named after the capital of Switzerland, Bern, and shares its flag, as well as its mascot; the bear.
But don’t call Bern, Switzerland, the Old Bern. They are Bern. Period.
The little town, where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet, is the second oldest in North Carolina. It served as the capital of the North Carolina colonial government until the end of the Revolutionary War and then briefly as the state capital. In 2010, the town will celebrate is 300th anniversary.
New Bern is home to Tryon Palace. Built in 1770, it served as the home to British Governor William Tryon and remained the capital building until 1794, when Raleigh became the state capital. The palace was destroyed by fire in 1798.
In the 1930’s, a push was made to restore the old state capital, led by Mrs. James Edwin Latham. She died before construction began and her daughter, Mrs. Mae Gordon Kellenberger, took over the project.
In April 1959, Tryon Palace opened its gates and gardens to the public.
But Tryon Palace is not New Bern’s only claim to fame. It’s also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola.
In 1898 Calem Bradham, a pharmacist in New Bern, introduced the world to his new elixir. It became an instant hit.
On the 100th anniversary of Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New Bern, Inc., opened the doors to the Birthplace of Pepsi, located in the same location as Bradham’s pharmacy. The shop offers Pepsi products on tap and memorabilia for the Pepsi fanatic.
Last, but not least, if you happen to make the trek to New Bern, be sure and stop in Mitchell’s Hardware.
Mitchell’s Hardware is a “turn-of-the-century hardware store” that has been serving New Bern since 1898. If they don’t have it, you really didn’t need it in the first place.
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