North Carolina Historic Sites

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

• Background
• The Life of the CSS Neuse
• The Destruction of the Neuse
• Armament
• Crew Members
• Drawings of the Vessel
• The Existing Hull Remnant
• A Scale Model
• Historical Gallery
• R. H. Bacot Letter
• R. H. Bacot Drawings
• The Salvage Operation
• Weapons Found Aboard the Neuse
• Preservation Methods
• The Neuse Today
• A New Home
• Neuse-Caswell Teaching Packet
• Other Resources

Richard Caswell

• Caswell the Soldier
• Caswell the Statesman
• A Gravesite Mystery

Volunteer!

If you have some free time and are interested in history and/or connecting with the community, we have a great variety of projects and enriching experiences to offer. If your interested but not sure what you have to offer, come by or give us a call and we can discuss it.

What's New

• The CSS Neuse has moved!
  On June 23rd, the gunboat CSS Neuse moved to her new home in downtown Kinston. Though the new Neuse Museum is still under construction and therefore closed, it is expected to open to the public on a limited basis beginning late 2012 or early 2013. The Caswell Memorial (2612 W. Vernon Ave.) remains open to the public during this time.

Upcoming Events

• Stay tuned!

CSS Neuse & Gov. Caswell Memorial Information

• Map & Directions
• Local Weather
• Special Events
• Facilities

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.