New Bern Historic District

New Bern Historic District is a riverfront area along the Neuse and Trent Rivers containing hundreds of buildings from the early 1800s through the mid-20th century. The district spreads over a large area with residential and commercial structures mixed together throughout.

The city was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers and later served as North Carolina's colonial capital. It grew to become one of the state's leading cities and developed into a major center for trade and commerce.

The district displays a mix of Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival architectural styles that shape how the streets and buildings look and feel. These structures reflect different periods through their design choices and decorative details.

The area is easy to explore on foot, with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings within reasonable walking distance of each other. The waterfront location and flat terrain make visiting comfortable for most people.

The original drugstore where Pepsi-Cola was invented in 1893 stood in this district and was first called Brad's Drink. This lesser-known historical connection ties the place to an iconic American brand in an unexpected way.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1790

GPS coordinates: 35.11556,-77.04944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45