The Shifting Sands: a Study of the Maritime Cultural Landscape of New Bern, North Caorlina

Abstract

The history of North Carolina’s ongoing settlement and the process of developing a future is a fascinating part of the state’s rich history. And New Bern, North Carolina had a strong maritime tradition and a unique history to study. While the state’s population continuously expanded and shifted around, New Bern remained a strong port. When the American Revolution ended, New Bern survived despite long held grudges within the government. In fact, New Bern survives to the modern day, having changed and altered its appearance and landscape to remain active in North Carolina. While New Bern changed to remain a relevant part of the state, its maritime cultural landscape survived and changed with it. New Bern’s waterfront survived a population influx and eventual decline; it also survived two wars, an occupation, and an industrial revolution that altered the means of travel in the United States. The maritime cultural landscape has survived for so long and changed so many times in an effort to remain solvent. This thesis studies New Bern’s maritime cultural landscape to determine the causes of change and to document the landscape before the waterfront changes again.