Field Trip - Urban - New Bern North Carolina

The town I decided to take a “field trip” to New Bern, North Carolina, home of the Bear Town Bears and the birth place of Pepsi-Cola.

• •        Identify key historic landmarks in the historic downtown
• •        Describe the environmental context and how the urban and natural environments interface
• •        Describe changes to the city and the river over time
• •        Define changes in the social and economic role of the Downtown area over time
• •        Define sustainability within the context of an urban environment

While I was getting ready to take a tour of New Bern for the third time, I printed out the “Churches and Cemeteries Self-Guided Tour”.  I also learned that New Bern was established in 1710 where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet, and is the second oldest town in North Carolina and the birth place of Pepsi-Cola!

Along with being known for its historic side, New Bern also has a wild collection of life sized bears sponsored by different stores and departments of town. Below is my favorite, the Bearer of Justice! LAW BEAR!

While walking through the town I fell in love with the appearance of a particular church (please see journal pictures are included there). The thing I love most about this church is grounds. There is an outdoor alter and seating areas for mass to take place, there is a play area, a working bell tower, and historic markers and burials on the grounds. All and all it is a beautiful and special place that adds so much character to New Bern’s Historic Downtown area.

Episcopal Church in town center of New Bern

The outdoors area attached to the church (I took this photo earlier in the year but I love the look of everything covered in snow)

The beautiful snow covered outdoor alter.

This is a tombstone within the grounds of the church. It starts off “Here lyes the body of….” He was 22 years old and died in 1759.

Along with this one church there were many other historic and beautiful churches along the walk.

Historic Catholic Church within New Bern once again with my lovely snow... I learned that during spring too many people walk through your pictures so it worked out better to use ones from winter with no tourists walking through them!!

One weird quirk that I personally have is that I love cemeteries. This love stems from a genuine interest in history and a love for historic markers. I think there is nothing more interesting than seeing the different burial markers and even the wording on those markers. The cemetery I visited in New Bern is called Cedar Grove Cemetery. This cemetery is a beautiful tribute to those who have passed. One thing is evident; when this cemetery was planned it is easy to see the city planners were concerned with keeping nature in the area.

Entry way into Cedar Grove Cemetery.

 Throughout the town it is also evident that there is concern for the natural parts of the historic area. There are river walk areas, small relaxing parks included within the town even if it is just a pass through, the town is beautiful.

Another picture covered in snow from February, I love snow.  This is a small walk through between streets.

Another beautiful building that I did not personally visit because I did not feel like spending the money where there was so much to see outside. Tryon Palace was completed in 1770 and was the former home of British governor William Tryon. It then became the original state capitol building of newly-independent North Carolina and remained so until the 1790s. After this use of the Tyron Palace the building burnt to the ground and today an exact replica stands in place. A replica, built from the original plans and on the original foundation, and is now maintained as a historic site and tourist attraction

Honestly it’s hard to know how the river has changed overtime but one thing is for sure, the town cares about the appearance. Since New Bern was established because of its ideal location where to rivers meet it is easy to understand that part of New Bern’s history and importance is surrounded by the history of these two particular rivers.  New Bern has experienced many changes since its establishment. It is no longer a center for state responsibilities, which has been moved to Raleigh.  Today it is mostly a tourist attraction area and home to a great writer, Nicolas Sparks. Also, parts of the movie, A Walk to Remember with Mandy Moore were filmed there. There is another self-guided tour called “A Walk to Remember Tour” which while walking you can point out certain features from the movie.