TOURS OF BATTLEFIELD: While the Battle of New Bern site is not open for regular tours, the New Bern Historical Society can provide a tour guide for a group of 6 or more. Call the Society’s office (252-638-8558) several days in advance for fees and to arrange a private tour of the battlefield

On March 11, Brig. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside’s command embarked from Roanoke Island to rendezvous with Union gunboats at Hatteras Inlet for an expedition against New Berne. On March 13, the fleet sailed up the Neuse River and disembarked infantry on the river’s south bank to approach the New Berne defenses. The Confederate defense was commanded by Brig. Gen. Lawrence Branch. On March 14, John G. Foster’s, Jesse Reno’s, and John G. Parke’s brigades attacked along the railroad and after four hours of fighting drove the Confederates out of their fortifications. The Federals captured nine forts and 41 heavy guns and occupied a base which they would hold to the end of the war, in spite of several Confederate attempts to recover the town. Courtesy of NPS New Bern Battle Summary

(January 2008) Enlarge New Bern Civil War Trails interpretive marker

(January 2008) During the Battle of New Bern the 26th and 33rd NC regiments held a line here at the railroad tracks. The view is looking toward the Union advance

(January 2008) The wetland area where the Union army crossed to attack the Confederates behind their earthworks. View looking toward the Union advance

(January 2008) Confederate earthworks and the 26th North Carolina monument

(January 2008) 26th NC earthworks

(January 2008) 26th NC earthworks