Six Reasons You Need To Plan A Trip To The Tryon Palace + A History Lesson

Are you a history buff looking for your next adventure? Look no further than Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past with its meticulously restored colonial-era palace and accompanying buildings. But there’s more to Tryon Palace than just a history lesson. In this article, we’ll give you five compelling reasons why you need to visit Tryon Palace, from its stunning gardens to its unique events and programs. Plus, we’ll take a brief look at the rich history of this iconic site, making it the perfect destination for anyone interested in North Carolina’s colonial past.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s explore Tryon Palace together.

Located in the charming city of New Bern, North Carolina, Tryon Palace stands as a symbol of the state’s rich and complex history. The Palace is a stunning example of Georgian-style architecture and was built in the late 18th century, becoming a significant center of social and political life in the region. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of Tryon Palace, from its construction to its historical significance.

Governor Tryon

In 1765, North Carolina Governor William Tryon arrived in the colony and immediately set his sights on building a magnificent palace. Tryon was a man of great ambition and vision, and he believed that a grand and imposing residence would be necessary to establish British authority in the region. He chose a site in New Bern, where he began construction on the Palace in 1767.

The Construction

The Palace was designed by architect John Hawks, who had previously worked on the construction of the Georgia State House. Hawks’ plans called for a grand two-story mansion with a central pediment and four columned porticos. The building was to be constructed of brick and feature elaborate plasterwork and wood paneling.

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The construction of Tryon Palace was an ambitious project, requiring significant resources and manpower. The building site was located on a 16-acre plot of land that had been cleared of trees and other vegetation. Skilled craftsmen were brought in from all over the region, and the work was completed in just four years.

Five Interesting Facts

• The Palace was named after Governor Tryon, who played a significant role in its construction. However, Tryon never actually lived in the Palace himself.
• The Palace was the first permanent capital of North Carolina and served as the seat of government for the colony until 1794.
• The Palace was constructed on the site of an old fort that had been built in the early 1700s. The fort was named Fort New Bern, and it played a critical role in the region’s early history.
• The Palace was designed to be fireproof, with walls that were 18 inches thick and a roof made of slate.
• The Palace was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Revolutionary War.

The Architecture

One of the most striking features of Tryon Palace is its architectural style. The Palace is a stunning example of Georgian architecture, a style that was popular in England during the 18th century. The style is characterized by its symmetrical design, balanced proportions, and ornate decoration.

The Palace’s exterior is made of brick, which was a common building material at the time. The brickwork is laid in Flemish bond, a pattern that alternates long and short bricks to create a decorative effect. The Palace’s roof is made of slate, a material that was imported from Wales and was considered to be the best available at the time.

The interior of the Palace is equally impressive, featuring elaborate plasterwork, wood paneling, and fine furnishings. Visitors can see the grand entrance hall, the formal reception rooms, the state dining room, and the private chambers where the Governor and his family would have lived. The Palace’s gardens are also a sight to behold, featuring period plantings and designs.

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Six Reasons You Need To Plan A Trip To The Tryon Palace

1. Discover North Carolina’s History: Tryon Palace is an important historical site that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into colonial life in the late 18th century. The Palace has a rich and complex history that reflects the political and social tensions of the time.
2. Explore the Palace and its Gardens: Visitors to Tryon Palace can take guided tours of the Palace and its gardens, which have been restored to their original 18th-century appearance. The Palace has been meticulously recreated with period furnishings, and visitors can see how the governor and his family lived in the late 18th century.
3. Visit Other Historic Buildings: In addition to the Palace itself, the Tryon Palace complex includes several other historic buildings, including the New Bern Academy and the Dixon House, which is an excellent example of Federal-style architecture.
4. Attend Special Events: Tryon Palace hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, lectures, and workshops. The site is a popular destination for school field trips, and there are plenty of educational programs and resources available for children and adults alike.
5. See Historic Artifacts: The Palace also houses a collection of historic artifacts, including portraits, furniture, and decorative items from the colonial period.
6. Experience Living History: You can join Tryon Palace’s long history of distinguished visitors, such as President George Washington, as you walk around more than 20 historical buildings and 14 acres of period gardens, watch living history programs, and enjoy craft and domestic skill demonstrations.

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Before The War

In the late 1760s, construction of Tryon Palace was completed and it became the official residence of the governor of the colony of North Carolina. While the Palace was a grand symbol of British colonial power, it was not well received by many colonists.

In the years following the completion of the Palace, tensions between the colonies and the British government began to escalate. Many colonists were unhappy with the British government’s policies, which they felt were unfair and oppressive. This discontent led to protests and demonstrations, such as the Stamp Act protests in 1765 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773.

In North Carolina, there was a particular group of colonists who were unhappy with the government’s policies. These colonists, known as the Regulators, were a group of farmers who lived in the backcountry and felt that they were being unfairly taxed and treated by the colonial government. The Regulators were involved in a series of protests and clashes with government officials, including a violent confrontation in 1771 known as the Battle of Alamance.

During this time, Governor Tryon was still in power and he responded to the Regulator protests by ordering the construction of a fortified palace, known as Fort Tryon, to protect himself and his family. The construction of this fort further angered the Regulators, who saw it as a symbol of the governor’s tyranny.

In 1775, tensions between the colonies and the British government reached a boiling point and the American Revolution began. Governor Josiah Martin, who had replaced Tryon as governor of North Carolina, fled the Palace at the beginning of the war.

As the Regulators were a key element of the Revolutionary War, particularly as it relates to Governor Tryon and New Bern. Let’s learn more about them:

Why Were the Regulators Significant?

The Regulator Movement was significant because it represented a growing dissatisfaction among colonists with British rule. The movement was a precursor to the American Revolution and helped to galvanize support for independence among colonists.

The Regulators were particularly significant in North Carolina because they were one of the first groups to challenge the authority of the colonial government. They organized protests and petitions and demanded that officials be held accountable for their actions. They also refused to pay taxes and called for reform of the colonial government.

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The Battle of Alamance

In May 1771, the Regulators and the colonial government clashed in what became known as the Battle of Alamance. The Regulators, who were poorly armed and organized, were no match for the government forces led by Tryon. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the government, and many Regulators were either killed or captured.

After the Battle of Alamance, Tryon made a series of arrests and trials of Regulator leaders, which further fueled resentment and resistance to British rule. The events leading up to the battle helped to shape the political and social climate in North Carolina and contributed to the growing movement for independence.

The Palace’s Role In The Revolutionary War

At the beginning of the Revolution, the site was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. The Palace’s central location and ample space made it an ideal spot to treat injured soldiers, and it quickly became a hub for military medical operations.

The Palace’s rooms were converted into makeshift hospital wards, and soldiers from both sides of the conflict were treated here. The Palace’s gardens were also utilized as an area for outdoor surgeries and for the recovery of wounded soldiers. As many as 300 patients could be housed in the Palace at one time, and medical supplies were shipped in from all over the country to aid in the war effort.

Base Of Operations

In addition to serving as a hospital, the Tryon Palace also functioned as a base of operations for the Continental Army. The Palace’s strategic location near the coast made it an important site for planning and executing military maneuvers. Soldiers were stationed at the Palace to guard against British incursions, and it was also used as a rendezvous point for troops traveling to and from other parts of the country.

During this time, the Palace suffered significant damage from both the war and natural disasters. In 1781, a devastating fire swept through New Bern, destroying many of the buildings in the city, including the Palace. The Palace was rebuilt and served as a residence for several North Carolina governors in the early 19th century before falling into disrepair and ultimately being demolished.

In the 1950s, a restoration project was initiated to rebuild the Palace and recreate its original appearance. Today, Tryon Palace is a museum and historic site that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Today, the Palace’s role as a hospital and military base of operations during the Revolutionary War is remembered through various exhibits and educational programs at the site. Visitors can learn about the medical treatments of the time, the daily lives of soldiers stationed at the Palace, and the importance of the site in the overall war effort. The Tryon Palace serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the Revolutionary War and their contributions to the founding of the United States.

Visitors to Tryon Palace can take guided tours of the Palace and its gardens, which have been restored to their original 18th-century appearance. The Palace has been meticulously recreated with period furnishings, and visitors can see how the governor and his family lived in the late 18th century. The Palace also houses a collection of historic artifacts, including portraits, furniture, and decorative items from the colonial period.

Exploring Beyond The Palace

In addition to the Palace itself, the Tryon Palace complex includes several other historic buildings, including the New Bern Academy, which was one of the first public schools in North Carolina, and the Dixon House, which was built in the early 19th century and is an excellent example of Federal-style architecture.

This former governor’s mansion also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, lectures, and workshops. The site is a popular destination for school field trips, and there are plenty of educational programs and resources available for children and adults alike.

 Tryon Palace is an important historical site in North Carolina that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into colonial life in the late 18th century. The Palace has a rich and complex history that reflects the political and social tensions of the time, and its restoration and preservation have made it a valuable resource for historians, educators, and history buffs alike. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist from out of town, a visit to Tryon Palace is a must for anyone interested in North Carolina history.

Public building in all of the colonies, became a controversial issue when backcountry residents listed its cost as one of the grievances in the 1764 rebellion of the Regulators.

You can join Tryon Palace’s long history of distinguished visitors, such as President George Washington, as you walk around more than 20 historical buildings and 14 acres of period gardens, watch living history programs, and enjoy craft and domestic skill demonstrations. You can also take time to see other historic buildings and visit the History Education Center on the Trent River.

Learn about colonial North Carolina and her role in the Revolutionary War when you visit Tryon Palace and New Bern.