Tryon Palace

Tryon Palace is a reconstructed colonial residence in New Bern featuring Georgian architecture with symmetrical brick facades, tall windows, and richly detailed interiors. The rooms display fine craftsmanship and furnishings typical of late 18th-century wealth and status.

Built in 1770 as the residence of Royal Governor William Tryon, the palace served as North Carolina's first permanent capital until 1794. The original structure burned down in 1798, but was faithfully reconstructed to preserve colonial heritage.

The palace complex displays period rooms filled with 18th-century furnishings, a working kitchen, and formal gardens that show how colonial families lived their daily lives.

The grounds offer guided tours through the main house and outbuildings, giving insight into colonial life and domestic work. Parking is readily available and the site is well-marked, making it easy to navigate and plan your visit.

George Washington stayed overnight at the palace in 1791 and slept in an upstairs bedchamber during his presidential tour of the South. This visit marks a rare moment when early American leadership visited this colonial seat of power.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 20 century

Official opening: April 8, 1959

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Floors above the ground: 2

Made from material: brick

Address: 529 South Front Street, New Bern, North Carolina 28562-5601 United States

Phone: +18007671560

Website: https://tryonpalace.org

GPS coordinates: 35.10581,-77.04431

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:28