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The Historic Homes District is a precious gem set in the prongs of downtown New Bern. If you like history, fine architecture, and the gracious ambience of Southern living, you’ll be charmed by these lovely residences. They are the pride of their present owners as well as those of the past. Civil War figures, political leaders of the era, and respected dignitaries walked through these doors and lived in these homes. Also the inventor of Pepsi-Cola and other interesting individuals too numerous to mention are part of the colorful history. If these walls could talk, what stories they might share.

You’re invited to take a stroll down memory lane and allow yourself to be transported back in time. Along the way, you’ll find outstanding examples of architectural features including Neo-Classical Revival, Federal, Georgian, and Italianate styles. A perfect example is the Isaac Taylor House (1792) at 228 Craven Street. Constructed by merchant, ship owner, and planter Isacc Taylor, this charming dwelling incorporated a “counting house” on the first floor. Note the fine Federal woodwork. This is one of the earliest side-hall Federal brick dwellings in New Bern. The doorway is beautifully detailed. You’ll find the Coor-Bishop House at 501 East Front Street (1770-1778). This stately house was built by James Coor; however its subsequent owner, George Pollock, entertained dignitaries like President James Monroe and Secretary of War and Mrs. James C. Calhoun here. It was remodeled in Neo-Classical Revival style and actually turned toward the water in 1907. A brief walk will bring you to the Larry I. Moore House (1908) at 511 East Front Street. This Herbert Woodley Simpson-designed house features a Neo-Classical Revival portico and restrained Colonial Revival detailing. Its lovely Corinthian columns and broad front and side porches are inviting features, creating images of the South’s famous sweet tea or perhaps a mint julip served in style on a fine afternoon.

The Eli Smallwood House (1810) at 524 East Front Street is one of the finest of New Bern’s Federal brick side-hall houses. This unique residence is noted for its handsome portico and elegant interior woodwork. If you look closely, you’ll find ghost marks of a second entry visible over the north front window. The Charles Slover House (1848-1849), 201 Johnson Street, is New Bern’s grandest Greek Revival Style residence. During the Civil War, Union General Ambrose Burnside selected the house for his headquarters. It was purchased in 1908 by Caleb D. Bradham, inventor of “Brad’s Drink” now known as Pepsi-Cola.

Don’t miss the Jerkins-Richardson House (1848-1849) at 520 Craven Street. This classic house is one of New Bern’s latest examples of a gable-roofed side-hall Federal style. Be sure to notice the “Captain’s Walk” between the fully enclosed interior end chimneys. Also referred to as a “Widow’s Walk,” this roof top structure was a common feature of early seafaring towns. Imagine anxious family members drawn there in search of a ship sighting that would signal the return of a loved one. The John D. Flanner House (1855; enlarged 1880) is located at 305 Johnson Street. The construction of the house marked the introduction of the Italianate style to New Bern. This popular style had the most lasting influence on the town’s architecture. It is evident in the overhanging cornice supported by elaborate sawn brackets. Also part of the Historic District is the W.B. Blades House (1903) at 602 Middle Street. This elaborate Queen Anne House was designed by Herbert Woodley Simpson for lumber magnate William B. Blades. It combines elements of Queen Anne and Greek Revival, making it one of the most elegant mansions in New Bern.

The Hawks House (1760-1770) can be found at 517 New Street. The western part of this attractive house is Georgian and consists of four bays. The eastern section is Federal style and was added in the early 1800s by Frances Hawks, son of John Hawks, the architect of Tryon Palace. Also on New Street is the Palmer-Tisdale House (1767) at 520 New Street. The Georgian front section of this interesting home was built by Col. Robert Palmer. It was purchased in 1776 by goldsmith and patriot William Tisdale, who was active in local political affairs and who engraved the great seal of the State of North Carolina in 1778. You don’t want to miss the Ulysses S. Mace House (1884) at 518 Broad Street. This stately home is one of the town’s most elaborate Italianate style houses, displaying intricate sawn work on its wide porches. It was built for Ulysses S. Mace, a local druggist. Also built for Ulysses S. Mace is the Attmore-Wadsworth House (1855) at 515 Broad Street. This unusual one-story Italianate style house has several interesting features. Note the elaborate bracketed cornice with ventilators, used in conjunction with the more traditional Greek Revival door and window surrounds.

There are many more noteworthy homes that comprise New Bern’s Historic Homes District. So take your time and enjoy some of the best that New Bern has to offer. You’ll be glad you did. More information can be found at the Riverfront Convention and Visitors Center, the New Bern Historic Society, or the New Bern Preservation Foundation.

Please visit our other Historic Heritage Tours