New Bern, North Carolina: HISTORIC FAQs

Our city flag honors the mother-daughter relationship with Bern, Switzerland. The flag's bear motif, which dates from the Middle Ages, can be found on city buildings, vehicles, and uniforms. The original flag, a gift from the residents of Bern in 1896, is on display in the courtroom of City Hall.

Pepsi Cola, first known as Brad's Drink, was created in 1898 at Bradham's Pharmacy at Middle and Pollock Streets by the young Caleb Bradham.

New Bern was one of the earliest cities in the nation-after Boston and Philadelphia-to recognize and celebrate Independence Day.

The Baxter Street Clock is a restoration, and one of the few turn-of-the-century, four-faced street clocks still in use in America.

The Lady Blessington Cannon can be found embedded in the sidewalk at the corner of the Christ Church fence. It was taken from a British ship during the Revolution and was used as a surveyor's landmark in laying out the city.