The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

Historically no town in North Carolina
is of wider interest than Newbern. Sc:
tied first by Baron de Graeffenreid and
receiving later accessions from the fol
lowers Of the Earl of Craven, FOR whom
the county was named, and still lat,
bands of Huguenots and hardy Scotch
Presbyterians its early population was
curious blending of elements.
From 1873 to 1747 it was the seat of
the provisional government and .sfttf-
ward. in TIT, of the Stae Legislature,
while from 1874, when Sir Arthur Dobbs
took up his residence there until iii,
when Governor Tryon fled to escape
the wrath Of an outraged people, it was
the centre of refinement, beauty ard dis
tincton. In 1871 it was visited by
George Washington and General Greene,
who held receptions at the house of .iohr
Stanly. wealthy and liberal citizen.
During the Revolutionary War numcr'
ous Driyateers were fitted out there to
prey upon the commerce of the enemy.
and the town maintained a large trade of
its own with the West Indies.
In the civil war Newbern suffered
much less than some of her less fortu-
nate sister seaports. Some suburban res
licences lying within the lines of invest
ment were burned but the city itself
was not married, and today the grass
grown earthworks alone remain as re-
minders of the siege.
IN RECENT DAYS.
or late years Newborn has not only
shared in the general growth that has
come with the new era of Southern
industry to North Carolina. but has in
many ways been leader. so that in the
Newborn of today one finds that rare
combination of the charm Of the old
with the utility and thrift of the new
civilization The Influx of people and the
march of progress have been 50 gradual
that there has been Il perfect assimila-
ton. and NewEern, while keeping abreast
with the times, has managed TO hold
with her fine old traditions as well.
ADVANTAGES AS A SEAPORT.
AZ seaport few points on the At
lantic have equal advantages. Lying at
the confluence of the Neuse and Trent
rivers which bring 10 her gates the
lai-gess Of the land, and broadening into
deep estuaries as they sweep gently on
to the sea. give her access 10 the ports
Of the world, Newbern reaps the dual
benefits Of favoring conditions, handing
both land and marine products with
equal profit and facility. 1t is the centre
Of the shipping interests of large Sec
ton Of circumjacent country that is rap
idly increasing in the quantity and va
ricty of its products. The exports are
Of great diversity. Cotton, shingles,
lumber, cotton seed oil and meal, rice,
corn. naval stores. woods, fish, vegeta-
bles for the early market, melons IN sea-
sep. are seme Of the exports that reach
a market through the gateway Of New
born.
MARINE PRODUCTS.
II is stated on good authority that no
less than 80 varieties of fresh and salt
water fish have been shown ut annual
exhibits of the Newborn fair. all taken.
at that. from neighboring waters, aud
supplemented by 10 varieties Of oysters
and an attractive display Of CLAIMS,
crabs. terrapins. and other dainties of
the sea that delight the palate Of til .
epicure. The fishing industry in the
coast section about Newborn gives en-
pIoyment to 1000 people and a large