Located a short drive from Emerald Isle, NC--go over the bridge and turn right onto McLean Boulevard-- is the quaint little town of Newport, the "town of old fashioned courtesy." Early on, the Newport River which weaves through Carteret County and empties into the Beaufort Inlet, was the major "highway" over which early settlers traveled and shipped goods. At the upper part of the river a landing was constructed around which the Town of Newport, NC sprung up.
Barges loaded products from "uplands" and they floated down river to the port at Beaufort. Products included lumber, tobacco and naval stores which shipped from Beaufort to other colonial ports.
Initially, in the early part of the 18th century, the settlement was called Shepardsville, named after a large landowner by the name of Shepard. The origin of the name “Newport” can be traced to two prevalent theories: 1) the town was called "New Port” to distinguish it from the “Old Port “ of Beaufort; and 2) many of the earliest settlers consisted of Quakers from Rhode Island and they called the town “Newport” in honor of their native Newport.
Today, Newport is a close-knit community that maintains it small town charm with a population of about 4,500 residents. Many of the residents are military families connected to the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station just 7 miles away in Havelock. Since Newport is a mere 5 mile drive east to Morehead City along Highway 70, and a few miles from the Emerald Isle bridge to the west on Highway 24, it is an attractive destination for those wanting seeking a family friendly community and easy driving distance to the beaches of Bogue Banks. Residents and visitors enjoy the annual Pig Cooking celebration in the spring and they can discover how soldiers lived during the Civil War at the Newport Historical Association.
One of my favorite places to visit is the Civil War exhibit downtown. Civil War battle in Newport, NC? On February 2, 1864, a 900 man Union garrison near the small eastern North Carolina town of Newport, NC found itself under attack by over 2,500 Confederates, thus beginning the battle of the Newport Barracks. After a day of combat lasting over ten hours, Union troops were compelled to retreat in the face of an overwhelming Confederate onslaught.. The Battle of Newport Barracks was the culmination of a brilliant operation commanded by Brigadier General James G. Martin and marked a rare Confederate victory during the late stages of the Civil War. Despite being viewed as a mere footnote to the larger Confederate attempt to recapture New Bern, engagement was the largest and bloodiest battle to take place in Carteret County during the Civil War.
My second favorite place to visit is Shortway Brewing Company. Shortway brewery was founded in Newport, NC by husband & wife duo, Matt & Lindsay Shortway. The couple shares a combined passion for brewing, design, and community service. I recommend, from the tap, FIRE TOWER RED 5.5% ABV This medium bodied red ale is malty with sweet caramel notes. A great drink for anytime!
Comments