Craven County, North Carolina
Craven County | |
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![]() Craven County Courthouse in New Bern | |
UTC−4 (EDT) | |
Congressional district | 3rd |
Website | www |
Craven County is a
History
Early history
On August 4, 1661, George Durant purchased land from Cisketando, king of the Yeopim Indian tribe. On March 13, 1662, a second purchase was made from Kilcocanen, another Yeopim. By 1662 Durant was living in Virginia on a tract of land along the Perquimans River which flows into Albemarle Sound, which became part of the Carolina colony in 1665.[6]
Creation
The land eventually constituting Craven was first organized as a portion of
During the initial years of colonization, the population of Craven County was sparse and grew slowly. By 1740, however, the town of New Bern began growing rapidly and became the seat for the Governorship.[11] John Carter served as the first sheriff of Craven County, but died in 1740 in the line of duty, when ambushed by an outlaw he was trying to apprehend. In 1746 an act was passed establishing New Bern as the capital of the province and, although the act was later repealed, the General Court met at New Bern in Craven County after 1747.[12][13]
In 1749 James Davis, the colony's first printer, arrived at New Bern and became the official printer for the North Carolina Assembly.[14] In 1751, Davis established and began printing the North Carolina Gazette, North Carolina's first newspaper.[15] In 1754, he was elected Sheriff of Craven County.[16]
Antebellum period
Craven developed an economy centered around agriculture, timber and turpentine, small manufacturing, and commerce emanating from the port of New Bern.[17] Various fruits and vegetables were among the most popular crops, with cotton production declining in popularity after adverse weather conditions in 1821. Some cattle was also kept in the county.[18] Commercial fishing became more common in the late 1840s, while shipbuilding declined later in the Antebellum period.[19] Slaves served as a key labor force in the local economy, though unlike other eastern counties in the state, which had overwhelmingly rural slave populations, almost 40 percent of Craven's slaves were kept in New Bern.[20]
The Panic of 1819 heavily impacted the county and triggered a two decade-long period of economic contraction.[21] Railroad service was introduced in the 1850s.[22] The population rose from 13,394 in 1820 to 16,268 by 1860, though poverty remained a problem and many born in the country migrated elsewhere in search of better economic prospects.[23] Despite the difficulties, Craven remained a center of political and social activity in the state and New Bern remained one of the largest cities in North Carolina throughout the antebellum period.[24]
Civil War
Following North Carolina's secession from the United States and entrance into the American Civil War on the side of the Confederate States of America in 1861, New Bern became a center for Confederate political and military activity.[25] By March 1862, the white men of the county had formed nine permanent companies of troops and three temporary ones. Some of these forces served throughout the entire war's duration.[26] The Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries in August 1861 gave United States forces a foothold in eastern North Carolina and provoked the flight of women and children from New Bern.[27]
Reconstruction
The county's economy was heavily impacted by the Civil War with the depletion of livestock, damage of property, and the emancipation of slaves.[28] Most food crop production also suffered, though cotton, tobacco, and rice yields increased. Lumber and naval stores industries persisted, though somewhat weakened. The conclusion of the conflict led to regained confidence in economic activity. The shipping industry in New Bern grew and several new businesses, including a bank, were established.[29] Some black freedmen were assigned work by federal troops or enrolled into Freedmen's Bureau schools.[30] Most of the rest found unskilled work in the local farming, fishing, and turpentine industries. Those that entered skilled labor professions were faced with a rivalry from white contemporaries.[31]
The advent of
Geography
According to the
National protected areas
- Catfish Lake South Wilderness (part)
- Croatan National Forest (part)
- Pocosin Wilderness (part)
- Pond Pine Wilderness (part)
- Sheep Ridge Wilderness
State and local protected areas/sites
- Croatan Game Land (part)[39]
- Dover Bay Game Land[39]
- Great Lake Recreation Site (part)
- New Bern Battlefield Site
- Neuse River Game Land (part)[39]
- Pine Cliff Recreation Area
- Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park
- Special Secondary Nursery Areas
- Tryon Palace
Major water bodies
- Adams Creek
- Alligator Gut
- Catfish Lake
- Clubfoot Creek
- Ellis Simon Lake
- Hancock Creek
- Intracoastal Waterway
- Little Lake
- Long Lake
- Neuse River
- Trent River
- Great Lake
- Upper Broad Creek
Major highways
Major infrastructure
- Amtrak Thruway (New Bern and Havelock)
- Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach Ferry (to Pamlico County)
- Coastal Carolina Regional Airport
- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, military airfield located in Havelock
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 10,474 | — | |
1800 | 10,245 | −2.2% | |
1810 | 12,676 | 23.7% | |
1820 | 13,394 | 5.7% | |
1830 | 13,734 | 2.5% | |
1840 | 13,438 | −2.2% | |
1850 | 14,709 | 9.5% | |
1860 | 16,268 | 10.6% | |
1870 | 20,516 | 26.1% | |
1880 | 19,729 | −3.8% | |
1890 | 20,533 | 4.1% | |
1900 | 24,160 | 17.7% | |
1910 | 25,594 | 5.9% | |
1920 | 29,048 | 13.5% | |
1930 | 30,665 | 5.6% | |
1940 | 31,298 | 2.1% | |
1950 | 48,823 | 56.0% | |
1960 | 58,773 | 20.4% | |
1970 | 62,554 | 6.4% | |
1980 | 71,043 | 13.6% | |
1990 | 81,613 | 14.9% | |
2000 | 91,436 | 12.0% | |
2010 | 103,505 | 13.2% | |
2020 | 100,720 | −2.7% | |
2023 (est.) | 102,391 | [1] | 1.7% |
U.S. Decennial Census[40] 1790–1960[41] 1900–1990[42] 1990–2000[43] 2010[44] 2020[1] |
2020 census
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic)
|
64,933 | 64.47% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)
|
19,903 | 19.76% |
Native American
|
318 | 0.32% |
Asian
|
3,059 | 3.04% |
Pacific Islander
|
150 | 0.15% |
Other/Mixed
|
5,162 | 5.13% |
Latino
|
7,195 | 7.14% |
As of the 2020 census, there were 100,720 people, 42,221 households, and 28,502 families residing in the county.
2000 census
At the
There were 34,582 households, out of which 33.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% were non-families. 23.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.60% under the age of 18, 12.80% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 101.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,966, and the median income for a family was $42,574. Males had a median income of $28,163 versus $21,412 for females. The
Government and politics
Government
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Craven_County_Administration_Building_01.jpg/220px-Craven_County_Administration_Building_01.jpg)
Craven County is led by a seven-member board of commissioners, each of whom are elected to represent a district.[47]
Craven County is a member of the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments, a regional multi-county planning and economic coordination body.[48] It is located in the North Carolina Senate's 2nd district and the North Carolina House of Representatives' 3rd district, and 13th district.[49]
Craven County lies within the bounds of the 4th Prosecutorial District, the 3B Superior Court District, and the 3B District Court District.[50]
Politics
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Craven is a typical “
Communities
Cities
Towns
Census-designated places
Other unincorporated communities
- Adams Creek
- Askin
- Ernul
- Fort Barnwell
- Harlowe
- Riverdale
Townships
By the requirements of the North Carolina Constitution of 1868, the county was divided into 8 townships which do not have names:
- Township 1
- Township 2
- Township 3
- Township 5
- Township 6
- Township 7
- Township 8
- Township 9
See also
- List of counties in North Carolina
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Craven County, North Carolina
- PepsiCo, former headquarters was located in New Bern, where the drink was first coined
References
- ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Craven County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "North Carolina: Individual County Chronologies". North Carolina Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2009. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ a b Powell, William S. (2006). "Craven County". NCPedia. North Carolina Government & Heritage Library. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- United States Office of Management and Budget. July 21, 2023. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
- ^ Connor, 1919, Vol. I, pp. 26-27
- ^ Powell 1976, p. 12.
- ^ Corbitt 2000, p. 74.
- ^ Corbitt 2000, p. 75.
- ^ Corbitt 2000, pp. 75–78.
- ^ dill, 1946, p. 47
- ^ The historical records of North Carolina, Vol. I, p. 58
- ^ The historical records of North Carolina, Vol. II, p. 2
- ^ Wroth, 1938, p. 48
- ^ Thomas, 1874, Vol. I, p. 338; Vol. II, p. 166
- ^ Powell, 2000, pp. 34-35
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 247, 249.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 249.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 255–256.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 250.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 267.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 289, 291.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 294.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 294–295.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 369–370.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 371.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 372.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 442.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 443.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 447.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 447–448.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 431–433.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 432.
- ^ Watson 1987, pp. 431–432.
- ^ Watson 1987, p. 436.
- ^ Corbitt 2000, p. 78.
- ^ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ Powell 1976, p. 126.
- ^ a b c "NCWRC Game Lands". www.ncpaws.org. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
- ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "Board of Commissioners". Craven County, North Carolina. Craven County Government. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ Clouser, Elise (August 2, 2021). "Eastern Carolina Council board dismisses executive director". Carteret County News-Times. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
- ^ "Craven County Representation : 2023-2024 Session". North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
- ^ "Craven County". North Carolina Judicial Branch. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - U.S. President". Retrieved January 22, 2021.
- ^ "1976 Presidential General Election Results - North Carolina". uselectionatlas.org. 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Dunnell, Trevor (April 25, 2022). "Could early voting play a role in who becomes Craven County's next elected officials?". Sun Journal. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
Works cited
- Connor, Robert Digges Wimberly (1919). History of North Carolina. Vol. I. Chicago : New York : Lewis Publishing Co.
- Corbitt, David Leroy (2000). The formation of the North Carolina counties, 1663-1943 (reprint ed.). Raleigh: North Carolina Division of Archives and History. OCLC 46398241.
- Crittenden, Charles christopher; Lacy, Dan, eds. (1938). The historical records of North Carolina : the county records. Vol. I. Raleigh : The North Carolina Historical Commission.
- Crittenden, Charles christopher; Lacy, Dan, eds. (1938). The historical records of North Carolina : the county records. Vol. II. Raleigh : The North Carolina Historical Commission.
- Dill, Alonzo Thomas Jr. (January 1946). "Eighteenth Century New Bern". Dill, Eighteenth-Century New Bern. 23 (1). North Carolina Office of Archives and History: 47–48. JSTOR 23515401.
- Powell, William S. (1976). The North Carolina Gazetteer: A Dictionary of Tar Heel Places. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 9780807812471.
- Powell, William S., ed. (2000). Dictionary of North Carolina biography. University of North Carolina Press.
- Thomas, Isaiah (1874). The history of printing in America, with a biography of printers. Vol. I. New York, B. Franklin.
- —— (1874). The history of printing in America, with a biography of printers. Vol. II. New York, B. Franklin.
- Watson, Alan D. (1987). A History of New Bern and Craven County. New Bern: Tryon Palace Commission. OCLC 17398679.
- Wroth, Lawrence C. (1938). The Colonial Printer. Portland, Me., The Southworth-Anthoensen press.
Further reading
- Browning, Judkin. Shifting Loyalties: The Union Occupation of Eastern North Carolina (Univ of North Carolina Press, 2011). focus on Craven County
- Kinsey, Marissa N. "Beyond the Vale: Visualizing Slavery in Craven County, North Carolina." (2017). online
- Farmer, Vina Hutchinson. New Bern (Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
- Todd, Vincent H., ed. (1920). Christoph von Graffenried's Account of the Founding of New Bern. Publications of the North Carolina Historical Commission. Raleigh: Edwards & Broughton Printing Co. OL 6640211M – via Internet Archive.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
Geographic data related to Craven County, North Carolina at OpenStreetMap
- Official website
- Craven County Economic Development
- Havelock Chamber of Commerce
- New Bern Chamber of Commerce
- NCGenWeb Craven County, genealogy resources for the county
- New Bern Sun Journal