About the Organization
Restored colonial capital and governor's mansion, North Carolina's first state capitol. Features period furnishings, gardens, and exhibits on colonial and early American life in the Carolinas.
The Palace and Its Remarkable History
Tryon Palace stands as a faithful reconstruction of the magnificent 1770 residence designed by English architect John Hawks, which served as the official residence and offices of British governors of North Carolina until the American Revolution. After provincial militia seized the building in 1775, it became the site of the first sessions of the state legislature following the Treaty of Paris in 1783 and served as North Carolina's state house until the capital moved to Raleigh in 1792. When fire destroyed the original palace in 1798, it seemed lost forever—until a dedicated group of visionary women known as "the Dreamers" spearheaded preservation efforts in the 1940s. Thanks to a trust established by Maude Moore Latham and support from the North Carolina General Assembly, the palace was meticulously rebuilt between 1952 and 1959 based on Hawks' original architectural plans.
Gardens, Historic Houses, and Collections
The 13-acre Tryon Palace complex showcases spectacular gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Morley Williams in the colonial revival style. Williams, who previously assisted with restorations at Mount Vernon and Stratford Hall, created gardens that surround not only the Governor's Palace but also three historic houses on the property. The John Wright Stanly House (1780), a late-Georgian mansion, features formal town-house gardens, while the Dixon-Stevenson House (1805) is celebrated for its rare Federal antiques. The gardens range from formal designs with camellia collections to working gardens with swept yards, and even include Victorian-era gardens. The Etteinne Mitchell Riverside Garden and the North Carolina History Center gardens (opened in 2010) feature native plants that play important ecological roles along the coastal river edges.
Visitors can explore rotating exhibits at the Duffy Exhibit Gallery featuring local history, Tryon Palace artifacts, and regional art, while Cullman Performance Hall hosts musicians, lectures, theatrical performances, and special events throughout the year. The palace offers various admission options, including One Day Passes ($20) with tours of the Palace, Kitchen Office, Dixon House, and access to all historic grounds, gardens, and the North Carolina History Center exhibits. Volunteer opportunities abound for those interested in guiding tours, maintaining gardens, or assisting with seasonal decorations.
Plan Your Visit
Tryon Palace is located at 529 South Front Street in New Bern. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM. One Day Passes ($20) include tours of the Palace, Kitchen Office, Dixon House, and access to all historic grounds, gardens, and North Carolina History Center exhibits. For group tours, call (252) 639-3524 or contact the main office at (252) 639-3500. Toll-free: (800) 767-1560. Visit tryonpalace.org for special events and programming.
Getting Involved
Support the preservation of North Carolina's colonial capital by becoming a member or volunteering at Tryon Palace. Opportunities include guiding tours, assisting with garden maintenance, and helping with seasonal decorations. Your support helps maintain the 13-acre complex of spectacular gardens and historic houses that bring colonial history to life for visitors from around the world.
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