New Bern Battlefield Site
New Bern Battlefield Site is a park covering over 30 acres where Union and Confederate forces fought in March 1862. The grounds feature walking paths, a large concrete map at the entrance, more than 35 interpretive panels, and preserved earthen fortifications showing where soldiers once held their positions.
The battle occurred on March 14, 1862, when Union forces under General Burnside attacked and captured the town of New Bern. This victory gave the Union control of a vital coastal port and shifted the course of the war in North Carolina.
The name reflects the nearby town of New Bern, which held strategic importance during the war. Visitors today walk the trails and read the panels that help them understand how people lived and fought at this location over 150 years ago.
The park is easily accessible off US Route 70 along Battlefield Trail and offers free admission. Visitors can explore independently with a brochure, read the panels along the paths, or arrange guided tours in advance with knowledgeable guides.
The site was acquired in the early 1990s by preservation groups and has been maintained entirely by volunteers without government funding. A granite monument weighing over 11 tons, donated by the 26th North Carolina Regiment, stands as a lasting memorial to the soldiers who fought here.
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