North Carolina Historic Sites

CSS Neuse

Glimpses into two of our nation's most pivotal wars can be found in one historic site within the city of Kinston. Here you can explore the celebrated life of Richard Caswell, the first governor of the independent state of North Carolina. You will also see up close the remnants of the ironclad gunboat CSS Neuse, a product of the Confederate Navy's ill-fated attempt to regain control of the lower Neuse River and retake the city of New Bern during the Civil War.

The CSS Neuse was one of 22 ironclads commissioned by the Confederate navy. Having a wide, flat bottom, the vessel resembled a river barge. When completed, the twin-screw steamer was plated with iron armor and measured 158 feet long and 34 feet wide. Delays in construction, low water, and lack of ground support prevented the gunboat from entering combat below Kinston. When Union troops occupied Kinston in March 1865, the Neuse was burned by its crew, resulting in a large explosion in her port bow, which sank the vessel.

The muddy waters of the Neuse River preserved the gunboat for nearly 100 years. Private efforts to recover the ship began in 1961; but poor weather, lack of funds, and ownership controversies prevented the ship from being raised until 1963. A year later the hull was transported to the site where it now rests.

Amazingly, nearly 15,000 artifacts were recovered from the ship. The Neuse collection, one of the largest for a Confederate naval vessel, provides valuable insight into 19th-century shipbuilding and naval warfare. A portion of the collection is on display in the Visitor Center, along with a beautiful scale model of the ship. Constructed by Lt. Cmdr. John S. MacCormack, the model features a starboard cutaway section that reveals the gunboat's intricate interior features and armament.

Governor Caswell Memorial

Also at the site is the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial, which honors one of Kinston's most important early citizens. A native of Maryland, Caswell founded the town of Kinston, and served as North Carolina's first elected governor.

For more information visit: North Carolina Historic Sites - CSS Neuse