New Bern Historical Society
New Bern Civil War Battlefield
Park
New Bern Civil War Battlefield
Park Information PDF
Click here to see the proposed plans for the New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park as an image
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BACKGROUND: The Battle of New Bern, which occurred on March 14, 1862, was one of the most significant events of the Civil War. The fierce battle in the swamps and along the rail road five miles south of New Bern proved to be a major victory for Union General Ambrose Burnside. And the ensuing occupation of the City of New Bern by Union troops essentially cut off rail and naval supply lines to the North, isolating the Confederate Army of Virginia.
The 1862 battlefield site is in pristine condition, never developed or transgressed by builders. The New Bern Historical Society received the core 24.65 acres of the battlefield from the Civil War Trust, and an additional 2.4 acres adjacent to the Park was recently purchased for an entrance road, visitor’s center, and parking. With the help of a grant from the Craven County Tourism Development Authority, the site was awarded recognition by the National Register of Historic Places.
PROPOSED RESTORATION: The first phase of restoration and construction of a Battlefield Park is scheduled to begin in 2006. Plans include the development of an entrance road and parking area, the construction of walking trails and bridges, a Visitor’s Center and an outdoor fortification which will be used for re-enactments and other demonstrations. Walkways through the battlefield, overlooks and interpretive signage will allow visitors to follow the progress of the battle. Hands-on activities will encourage a strong interest in Civil War history by tourists as well as area residents.
Including the value of the land, the restoration project when completed will constitute an investment of over $970,000. More than $200,000 has been raised to date through individual contributions, direct grants, and proceeds from special events. Fund-raising continues as the actual work on the Battlefield Park begins. The developer of the adjacent property, who had agreed to build an entrance road to the battlefield property line, has cleared his land.
A new park design, donated by a prominent landscape architect, will enhance the entrance and access to the Visitor’s Center. Construction permits are being acquired along with City and County approvals. Bridges to carry visitors over the streams throughout the property have been designed and the first bridge has been constructed.
TOURISM AND ECONOMIC IMPACT: The Battlefield site has been identified as part of the Civil War Trails Program that has expanded from Pennsylvania through Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and into Mississippi. The State of North Carolina has established its own Civil War Trails program to encourage tourism throughout the State. The N.C. State Department of Cultural Resources has established an Eastern Civil War Office in Goldsboro to assist with education, marketing, and technical assistance to promote the Civil War sites in this area. They have noted that, when the New Bern Battlefield Park is open to the public, the trail from Bentonville through Goldsboro and Kinston and on to Fort Macon and Fort Fisher will be complete.
TOURS OF BATTLEFIELD: While the Battle of New Bern site is not open for regular tours, the New Bern Historical Society can provide a tour guide for a group of 6 or more. Call the Society’s office (252-638-8558) several days in advance for fees and to arrange a private tour of the battlefield.
Click here to see the proposed plans for the New Bern Civil War Battlefield Park as an image
Get Adobe Reader Free
BACKGROUND: The Battle of New Bern, which occurred on March 14, 1862, was one of the most significant events of the Civil War. The fierce battle in the swamps and along the rail road five miles south of New Bern proved to be a major victory for Union General Ambrose Burnside. And the ensuing occupation of the City of New Bern by Union troops essentially cut off rail and naval supply lines to the North, isolating the Confederate Army of Virginia.
The 1862 battlefield site is in pristine condition, never developed or transgressed by builders. The New Bern Historical Society received the core 24.65 acres of the battlefield from the Civil War Trust, and an additional 2.4 acres adjacent to the Park was recently purchased for an entrance road, visitor’s center, and parking. With the help of a grant from the Craven County Tourism Development Authority, the site was awarded recognition by the National Register of Historic Places.
PROPOSED RESTORATION: The first phase of restoration and construction of a Battlefield Park is scheduled to begin in 2006. Plans include the development of an entrance road and parking area, the construction of walking trails and bridges, a Visitor’s Center and an outdoor fortification which will be used for re-enactments and other demonstrations. Walkways through the battlefield, overlooks and interpretive signage will allow visitors to follow the progress of the battle. Hands-on activities will encourage a strong interest in Civil War history by tourists as well as area residents.
Including the value of the land, the restoration project when completed will constitute an investment of over $970,000. More than $200,000 has been raised to date through individual contributions, direct grants, and proceeds from special events. Fund-raising continues as the actual work on the Battlefield Park begins. The developer of the adjacent property, who had agreed to build an entrance road to the battlefield property line, has cleared his land.
A new park design, donated by a prominent landscape architect, will enhance the entrance and access to the Visitor’s Center. Construction permits are being acquired along with City and County approvals. Bridges to carry visitors over the streams throughout the property have been designed and the first bridge has been constructed.
TOURISM AND ECONOMIC IMPACT: The Battlefield site has been identified as part of the Civil War Trails Program that has expanded from Pennsylvania through Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and into Mississippi. The State of North Carolina has established its own Civil War Trails program to encourage tourism throughout the State. The N.C. State Department of Cultural Resources has established an Eastern Civil War Office in Goldsboro to assist with education, marketing, and technical assistance to promote the Civil War sites in this area. They have noted that, when the New Bern Battlefield Park is open to the public, the trail from Bentonville through Goldsboro and Kinston and on to Fort Macon and Fort Fisher will be complete.
TOURS OF BATTLEFIELD: While the Battle of New Bern site is not open for regular tours, the New Bern Historical Society can provide a tour guide for a group of 6 or more. Call the Society’s office (252-638-8558) several days in advance for fees and to arrange a private tour of the battlefield.