Tryon Palace, North Carolina: History Lives Here
Step into history at Tryon Palace, North Carolina's first permanent colonial and state capitol.
We embrace “One History, Many Voices” by sharing the histories and experiences of the many people who were involved in Tryon Palace, New Bern, and eastern North Carolina from the 18th and 19th centuries through today.
Royal Governor William Tryon chose New Bern as the North Carolina colony’s first permanent capital. Located where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet, the city provided transportation, commerce, and protection. Tryon enlisted English architect John Hawks to draw plans for an elaborate Georgian public building. Completed in 1770, the governor’s mansion was so elegant and large that the colonists referred to it as a Palace. However, many colonists were outraged by the taxes levied to cover the costs of “the opulent monument.”
In 1771, Tryon became governor of New York, and North Carolina’s new Royal Governor, Josiah Martin, moved into the Palace. Anger over British taxes eventually spread amongst the colonists, and Martin became concerned with the growing calls for revolution. On the night of May 31, 1775, Martin, afraid of an uprising, fled the Palace for safety. The newly formed state government later auctioned off Martin’s furnishings, and the Palace was subsequently used by four state governors before burning to the ground in 1798.
When the Civil War began in 1861, North Carolina seceded, and New Bern fell to Union forces. In 1863, the 35th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops mustered at the New Bern Academy—North Carolina’s first chartered public school—to fight for their freedom. The New Bern Academy is now one of Tryon Palace’s Historic Sites and offers free exhibits to the public on the Civil War, the school, and local architecture.
In the 1930s, a group of influential women spearheaded a movement to rebuild Tryon Palace on its original brick foundation. Using Hawks’ original architectural drawings, they succeeded. The reconstructed Palace opened in 1959, welcoming families, historians, school groups, and many others.
Today, visitors are invited to tour Tryon Palace; the Kitchen Office; the original Stable Office, which is still standing; and the Palace grounds. Tryon Palace also boasts 10 acres of walkable gardens that are vibrant with flowers from spring to autumn. Visitors can also take special interest tours, such as the American Revolution-focused Caswell’s Capital tour and our Outlander in the Palace tour for fans of Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling series.
Our North Carolina History Center features several exhibits—including a hands-on exhibit that is perfect for families with children—and galleries as well as the Tryon Palace Museum Store. It’s the starting place for your Tryon Palace experience.
While you’re here, we hope you take some time to enjoy New Bern. There are several lodging and dining options within walking and driving distance of Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens. There are also numerous local shops and scenic waterfront views within the Historic Downtown New Bern area. You are also within driving distance to many beaches, waterfronts, state parks, aquariums, and attractions along the Crystal Coast. We are open year-round, so it’s always the right time to plan a visit to Tryon Palace.