Glimpses into two of our nation's most pivotal wars can be found in one historic site within the city of Kinston. Here you will explore the celebrated life of Richard Caswell, the first governor of the independent state of North Carolina. You will also see up close the remnants of the ironclad gunboat CSS Neuse, a product of the Confederate navy's ill-fated attempt to regain control of the lower Neuse River and retake the city of New Bern during the Civil War.
CSS Neuse History
- Background
- The Life of the CSS Neuse
- The Destruction of the Neuse
- Armament
- Crew Members
- Drawings of the Vessel
- The Existing Hull Remnant (65KB)
- A Scale Model
- Historical Gallery
- R. H. Bacot Letter (52KB)
- R. H. Bacot Drawings (47KB)
CSS Neuse Recovery & Preservation
What's New
The Site Today
Second Saturdays
- June 12 - Visual Arts Past and Present. Painters, photographers, mixed media artists and more at the site at 2612 W. Vernon Ave., Kinston, NC 28504, part of a weekend of activities including a bluegrass concert downtown Friday night and ham biscuits at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning.
- July 10 - Have a Yarn. See how yarn was made and used in the Civil War era as a local spinning guild gives demonstrations
- August 14 - Making Metal Work. See various utilitarian objects including household products, farm tools, military ware and jewelry and flatware with demonstrations by craftsmen.
CSS Neuse & Gov. Caswell Memorial Information
Contact Us
CSS Neuse State Historic Site
(and Gov. Caswell Memorial)
2612 W. Vernon Ave. (U.S. 70 Bus.)
P.O. Box 3043
Kinston, N.C. 28502
Phone: (252) 522-2091
Fax: (252) 527-7036
Email: cssneuse@ncdcr.gov
Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last guided tour begins at 4 p.m.)
Closed Sunday and Monday
Visitors should call ahead as hours sometimes must change unexpectedly. Large groups should call ahead for tour arrangements.
Admission
No admission fees. Donations are accepted and appreciated.