Tryon Palace, a colonial capitol, is in historic New Bern, NC, a charming main street town with historic homes dating back to the 18th century, quaint shops, a variety of dining options and breathtaking views of the river. Take a tour of the Palace, enjoy a walking tour, and explore its vast history. Photo credit Ben Lindemann.
Tryon Palace was home to two Royal Governors, Governor William Tryon and Governor Josiah Martin. Governor Tryon lived there less than two years before moving on to a new post as Governor of New York. Governor Josiah Martin arrived in late 1771, but fearing capture from Patriots as the revolution moved toward New Bern, left in 1775. Tryon Palace was the first capital freed of royal rule!
The Stable Office is the only remaining 18th century building remaining of the original Palace complex! It featured stables, a coach house, and harness room, and on the second-floor bedrooms for the stable servant and lofts for hay or fodder. Throughout the years, it been a chapel, school and apartment house, until it was restored during the reconstruction of the Palace.
Palace architect John Hawks’ 1767 architectural plans show that the first floor of the Kitchen Office included the kitchen itself, a scullery for the cleaning and storage of dishes, a wash house, and workspace for the governor’s secretary. For the colonies, this was a very modern, European style kitchen. The second-floor rooms were for servants’ chambers, and laundry.
Tryon Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Latham Garden (pictured) honors Maude Moore Latham, one of the “Dreamers.” The patterns of clipped hedges, path and flowers reflect a formal “parterre garden,” In the spring this garden showcases a display of vibrant tulips that draws crowds each year. In the fall, a display of chrysanthemums welcomes the new season. e.
Tryon Palace’s Fife & Drum Corps can often be seen performing on the grounds of the Palace or in downtown New Bern during special events like Glorious Fourth, Governor Josiah Martin’s Flight, Garden Lover’s Weekend, New Bern Resolves, MumFest, and more. Check our calendar of events for performances. Tryonpalace.org
Tryon Palace opened the North Carolina History Center in 2010. This beautiful building houses several exhibition spaces, a performance hall and regional history museum. At the Pepsi Family Center, you can time travel back to a river town in 1835, where you can sail a boat into harbor, tap pine trees and distill turpentine, or work at a print shop or general store. It is a favorite with families and school groups.
Also in the North Carolina History Center is the Regional History Museum where you can follow the “River of Light” through centuries of the region’s history and learn about the key forces that shaped the environment. Other exhibits, “Community,” Peopling of North Carolina, “Family Life,” and “Work,” will bring eastern North Carolina history alive with sights, sounds and stories.
Tryon Palace is open Monday through Sunday! A One Day Pass for $20 includes a tour of the Palace, Kitchen Office, and Dixon House, access to all the historic site grounds, Stable Office and gardens, and all exhibits at the North Carolina History. One Day Passes can be purchased online at Tryon Palace.org, or call, 252-639-3525. Also available are Garden Passes and Galleries & Gardens Passes, which can be purchased on site on the day of your visit.
Candlelight is Tryon Palace’s famous holiday event held every second and third Saturday of December. It is a magical event showcasing a decorated Palace with costumed interpreters in each room performing vignettes of a story from the past. The grounds are lit with candles and fire baskets, there are circus, juggling and sword swallowing acts, and of course Santa Claus! Tryonpalace.org
