New Bern, North Carolina
From Free net encyclopedia
New Bern is a town located in Craven County, North Carolina where the Trent River and the Neuse River converge, 87 miles (140 km) northeast of Wilmington. In 1900, 9,090 people lived in New Bern, North Carolina; in 1910, 9,961; in 1920, 12,198; and in 1940, 11,815. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 23,128. It is the county seat of Craven CountyTemplate:GR.
Contents |
History
New Bern was founded by the Swiss in 1710 under the leadership of Christoph von Graffenried, and is named after the capital of Switzerland, Bern. The first permanent seat of the colonial government of North Carolina was located in New Bern. Following the American Revolutionary War, Tryon Palace, former home of British governor William Tryon, became the original Capitol of newly-independent state North Carolina, as it remained until the 1790s.
New Bern was the site of a battle early in the American Civil War in which it was captured and occupied by union forces.
New Bern is also known as the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, which was invented by New Bern pharmacist Caleb Bradham.
Geography
Image:NCMap-doton-NewBern.PNG New Bern is located at 35°6'33" North, 77°4'9" West (35.109070, -77.069111)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 69.9 km² (27.0 mi²). 66.9 km² (25.8 mi²) of it is land and 3.0 km² (1.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.30% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 23,128 people, 10,006 households, and 6,183 families residing in the city. The population density was 345.7/km² (895.5/mi²). There were 11,094 housing units at an average density of 165.8/km² (429.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 55.96% White, 40.32% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.44% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. 2.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 10,006 households out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 18.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.2% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 83.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,139, and the median income for a family was $38,990. Males had a median income of $28,720 versus $21,687 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,499. 19.4% of the population and 14.7% of families were below the poverty line. 29.4% of those under the age of 18 and 14.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.