Five Wow History Moments in Kinston, North Carolina

Written by Lara Dunning

January 2, 2018
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Wander the history spots sure to wow in Kinston, NC. Here are five must-see historical moments on your Kinston adventure.

Set along the banks of the Neuse River, Kinston, North Carolina is one of the oldest towns in the state. It has seen its share of wars, including the Tuscarora War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, and is part of the African American Musical Heritage Trail. On a recent trip, I discovered it has some history spots that are sure to wow—like the remains of an ironclad warship, a Civil War battlefield, and a pre-American Revolution home. Here are my five must-see historical moments on your Kinston adventure.

1—The African American Music Trail

One of the most surprising moments I had in Kinston was learning about the African Ameican Music Trail and how deep Kinston’s musical roots run. During its tobacco days, Kinston was a hotbed of music, and musicians traveled from all over to play in the tobacco warehouses. One of those singers you’ll know, James Brown, who traveled with his band members from Kinston like Maceo and Melvin Parker, and Dick Knight. It is said they brought “a Kinston sound” to Brown’s music.

A great way to learn more about Kinston’s African American music scene is at the Kinston Music Park. Located near the Neuse River, visitors can stroll through the park, read lyrics and quotes, and admire colorful music-inspired mosaics. You can also enjoy the park’s sculpture Intersections, which has images of famous jazz, soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues musicians from Kinston and nearby communities.

Kinston

Musical greats such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong played in Kinston. Photo by Lara Dunning


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2—First Battlefield of Kinston Park

Kinston saw its share of bloody battles during the Civil War, and during my visit, I got to see where the heaviest fighting took place. In 1862, 2,400 Confederates troops and 12,000 Union troops faced off at a site known as Harriet’s Chapel. The church is part of The First Battle of Kinston Park, which includes more walking paths and interpretive signs, earthworks, and markers.



Kinston

This 1860s chapel replaced the original one destroyed during the battle. Photo courtesy Jane Phillips, President of Historical Preservation Group

3—CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center

Before my Kinston visit, I had heard of an ironclad warship but had never seen one. The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center houses the remains of the CSS Neuse and tells the story of the warship that got stuck on a sandbar on the Neuse River. The center also explains how the Neuse was recovered, and the importance of ironclads in battle. If you think all you’ll be looking at is the remains of the ship, think again. During its recovery, they found more than 15,000 artifacts, including shells and what they believe to be the ship’s wheel. There is also information on Kinston, the wars that came to its front door, and historical figures.

Kinston

The CSS Neuse was one of 26 Confederate ironclads built. Photo by Lara Dunning

Another part of the museum I found fascinating was the displays on Civil War social customs, particularly the collection of jewelry made out of human hair. Sweethearts, close friends, and family exchanged unusual jewelry, which was also worn during periods of mourning.

Kinston

Jewelry made from a loved one’s hair kept them close to you. Photo by Lara Dunning


4—Reconstructed Ironclad Warship

There is nothing quite like the wow factor of stepping inside an ironclad. That is exactly what you can do at the CSS Neuse II, which is the only full-sized replica in the world. Some adjustments were made for visitor access, like stairs and a side entrance, but the rest of the ship (built by an all-volunteer crew) was built to the specs of the original ironclad plans.

Kinston

The original Neuse was built to help the Confederate army recapture New Bern. Photo by Lara Dunning



During the tour, you’ll get to see what living and working on one of these steam-powered warships was like from guides who know the boat inside and out. An ironclad warship had 200 men assigned to it, and it took 20 men to operate each gun. Its steam-powered engine kept the boat at a constant temperature of 130 degrees, and because of this, its crew slept on shore.

Tours run on Saturdays and include the central and lower level of the ship, including the gun deck, pilothouse, and cabins.

Kinston

It took 20 men to work each gun on an ironclad. Photo by Lara Dunning

5—Harmony Hall

One of the oldest homes in Lenoir County, Harmony Hall, is a restored pre-American Revolution home built in 1772 by Jesse and Elizabeth Cobb. Throughout its life, it has housed political figures such as James Glasglow, the Secretary of State, and Richard Caswell, the first governor of North Carolina after the state gained its independence. It has also served as a Civil War hospital, church, and public library, and is said to be haunted.

Kinston

Harmony Hall’s rooms are decorated with 18th and 19th-century furnishings. Photo by Lara Dunning

Tours are arranged with the museum and share the history of its occupants, such as  Captain Cobb, who served with George Washington and endured a cold winter at Valley Forge. There are also plenty of interesting historical facts like Harmony Hall being a secret meeting place for sessions of state during Caswell’s time. As you can imagine, a house with this much history also had its share of tragedy from suicide to children who met an early grave.

Kinston

Richard Caswell’s portrait hangs above the fireplace in the great room. Photo by Lara Dunning

Articles Related to Visiting Kinston, NC

When You Visit Kinston, North Carolina

With more than 300 years of history, Kinston charmed the history lover in me. I felt it is one of those places you can return to again and again and keep learning more.

Not only is Kinston’s history impressive but so is its food scene, and you’ll want to check out The Chef and The Farmer, The Boiler Room Oyster Bar, Sugar Hill Pizzeria, Mother Earth Brewery, and King’s BBQ (just to name a few). If you are looking for unique stays in historic downtown I recommend The O’Neil, a 1920s bank turned boutique hotel. Another great option is the retro Mother Earth Motor Lodge.

To learn more about Kinston, visit their website. And, enjoy more things to do and see in North Carolina by Wander writers.

Five Wow History Moments in Kinston, North Carolina

Kinston, North Carolina

 



Written by Lara Dunning

Lara Dunning lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest and freelances for a variety of travel magazines. Her work can be found at Experience Anacortes, Bainbridge Island Magazine, Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, RealFoodTraveler.com, WaggonerGuide.com and Whidbey Camano Islands. She also owns the travel site Small Town Washington & Beyond (http://smalltownwashington.com/), where she shares her passion for small town travel. Lara has an MFA in Creative Writing from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, writes young adult novels, nonfiction essays, and likes to hike with Hazel, her Australian Cattle Dog.

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9 Comments

  1. Dominic Gramatte

    I’ve never heard of Kinston, North Carolina before – so very cool to learn more about it and it’s historical significance. Nice list of things to see and do there – looks like a great stop on a Southern US road trip. You’ll find me at the Boiler Room Oyster Bar. 🙂

  2. Danik

    Fantastic sights to check out but first thing is first, I am on Google Maps looking for Kinston. I never heard of the place :O Who knows, one day might be in the area but if I am, would defo check out the Civil War sight. That interests me the most.

  3. Jenn and Ed Coleman

    I was always a fan of military history and the Monitor vs Merrimack battle always sticks with me. It sealed the fate of wooden ships and ushered in a new era of Ironclads. I never knew just how how miserable it was for the crew with cramped quarters and extreme heat (and that is before being shot at). I was fascinating to see the Neuse II below the water line. It doesn’t look like an extremely sea worth ship either. Yet another misery the crew would have to endure.

  4. Krupa

    Never heard about kinston, North carolina before but its always great to read about new places and new cultures. African American music trails sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Martina

    Honestly, I haven’t read about this place before, but it sounds really interesting. Maybe I will catch up with it one day.
    Thanks for sharing
    Martina

  6. Danila Caputo

    We love to explore the historical side of a place we visit and we had no idea Kingston had so many highlights. My husband would definitely enjoy visit the CSS Neuse II and the Civil War battlefield so we’ve noted it down on our bucket list!

  7. Josh

    One of the coolest people i’ve ever met on my travels was from North Carolina and she told me loads of crazy stories from home, so it’s definitely on my list! The African-American music trail sounds rad, anywhere with James Brown and i’m there!

  8. Angelina

    Great tips and details on the history of Kinston, NC. It’s amazing how much information we can gather from these old battle grounds and restorations. I enjoy visiting places like this, it reminds me how hard our forefathers fought to settle here. Great article.

  9. Katie from Russell's World

    Being from Nashville, TN, I love reading about places in the United States. Such a great read and I loved learning about some of the history in North Carolina.



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