Tryon Palace | New Bern

Tryon Palace is one of North Carolina’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks, located in the heart of New Bern, the state’s first permanent capital. More than just a restored mansion, Tryon Palace is an immersive historical complex that includes multiple historic homes, 16 acres of period gardens, and a cutting-edge history center. The site transports visitors into the colonial era, the Revolutionary War period, and the early years of the American republic.

1. Historical Background

Original Construction: Tryon Palace was commissioned by Royal Governor William Tryon and designed by British architect John Hawks in the 1760s. It was completed in 1770 as a symbol of royal authority and the center of British colonial administration in North Carolina.

Function: The palace served as the official residence of the governor and the capitol building for the colony. It was where the colonial assembly met and where critical decisions regarding the governance of the colony were made.

Destruction and Rebirth: The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1798. In the 20th century, through extensive historical research and fundraising—especially led by Mrs. Maude Moore Latham—the palace was meticulously reconstructed and reopened in 1959. The reconstruction is based on Hawks' original architectural plans, archaeological discoveries, and written historical records.

2. The Governor’s Palace Experience

Architecture: The palace is a two-story Georgian mansion with wings on each side and a central formal hall. It features brick construction, classical symmetry, and elegant decorative finishes typical of 18th-century English design.

Furnishings and Interiors: The rooms are authentically furnished with period antiques, reproductions, and fine art pieces reflecting the mid-1700s. You'll find formal parlors, bedrooms, the council chamber, and a grand staircase with historically accurate finishes.

Tours: Guided tours are led by costumed interpreters who portray colonial characters and provide engaging commentary on the lives of the Tryons, the role of the Palace in pre-revolutionary governance, and the sociopolitical tensions of the era.

3. Historic Homes on the Grounds

In addition to the Palace, Tryon Palace manages several historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries:

John Wright Stanly House: Home of a prominent patriot and privateer during the Revolutionary War. The house illustrates upper-class life during the formation of the American Republic.

Robert Hay House: A middle-class family home that explores early 19th-century trades and daily domestic life.

George W. Dixon House: Offers a view into post-Civil War and Reconstruction-era New Bern.

Each of these homes offers distinct interpretations of different time periods, social classes, and historical transitions.

4. Gardens and Grounds

Wilderness Garden: This garden reflects the kinds of plants native to the region and used during the 18th century for both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Latham Garden: A formal garden filled with geometric patterns, symmetrical flower beds, and colonial-era plant varieties.

Kitchen Garden: Grown with herbs, vegetables, and medicinal plants that would have been used by the kitchen and apothecary staff at the Palace.

Seasonal Displays: The grounds are planted with seasonal blooms and maintained in a Colonial Revival style, which was popular in early American preservation efforts. The gardens not only showcase botany but also reflect class, function, and regional identity.

5. North Carolina History Center

Opened in 2010, this 60,000 square-foot center is the modern, interactive, and educational complement to the historic site:

Pepsi Family Center: A hands-on digital history experience where children and adults can “travel back in time” to experience life in 1835 New Bern. Activities include printing a newspaper, cooking over a fire, and navigating a ship.

Regional History Museum: Offers rotating exhibits and permanent displays about Eastern North Carolina’s cultural, economic, and political evolution.

Performing Arts and Lecture Hall: Hosts musical performances, plays, lectures, and community events throughout the year.

Duffy Gallery and Gift Shop: Features exhibits and local artisan crafts for purchase.

Sustainable Design: The building is LEED-certified, uses recycled materials, and is surrounded by constructed wetlands that filter stormwater naturally.

6. Programs and Events

Tryon Palace is known for its immersive and well-produced events, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond:

Candlelight Christmas Celebration: A magical, historically themed holiday event with period decorations, costumed interpreters, live music, horse-drawn carriages, and fireworks. Held annually in December, it’s the most popular event on the calendar.

Reenactments and Living History Days: Includes demonstrations of colonial crafts, militia drills, blacksmithing, spinning, and cooking.

Educational Tours: School groups are a major focus, with tailored programming for different age levels and curriculum goals.

Lecture Series and Book Talks: Regular presentations by historians, archaeologists, authors, and experts.

Seasonal Garden Tours and Horticultural Events: Led by the Palace’s expert gardeners.

7. Visiting Tryon Palace

Address: 529 South Front Street, New Bern, NC

Hours:

History Center: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Palace Tours: Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM; Saturday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM; Sunday: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Ticket Options:

One Day Pass: Access to the Palace, historic homes, gardens, and museum exhibits

Adults: $20

Youth (6–14): $10

Children under 6: Free

Garden-Only Passes and Combo Tickets are also available.

Accessibility: Most buildings are accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request.

Parking: Free public parking is available near the History Center and on-site.

8. Cultural Significance

Tryon Palace isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a symbol of North Carolina’s political and cultural roots. It stands at the crossroads of colonial rule and the birth of the United States. Through educational outreach and immersive interpretation, the site helps modern audiences understand the tensions and triumphs of early American history. It also anchors New Bern as a destination for heritage tourism, economic development, and community pride.

Tryon Palace offers a comprehensive, multi-sensory journey into the past. Whether you are interested in politics, architecture, gardens, or storytelling, the experience is designed to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of early American life and the enduring importance of historical preservation.