Mission Statement

"The Employees of the City of New Bern shall Strive for Excellence Which will Enhance the Quality of Life within our Community by working together to Provide Accountable and Equitable Service to all Citizens."

History

New Bern was settled in 1710 by Swiss and Palatine immigrants led by Christoph von Graffenried.  They named the settlement after Bern, the capital of Switzerland.  But long before the Europeans arrived, the Tuscarora indians also lived along New Bern's riverbanks in a village they called Chattoka. 

New Bern is the second-oldest colonial town in North Carolina and was the capital of the North Carolina colonial government.  For a short period of time it was also the state capital.  Given its picturesque setting and growing political prestige, New Bern quickly became known as "the Athens of the South."  You'll find the Athens Theater and the Masonic Temple downtown, part of the rich culture of New Bern then, are still very active today.