The remains of the CSS Neuse, one of 22 ironclads constructed and commissioned by the Confederacy, are on display, and the on-site museum and knowledgeable guides provide detailed history of the vessel.

Construction began on the 158 foot (48 m) long by 34 feet (10 m) wide CSS Neuse in October 1862, but numerous delays in construction (lack of available iron, a hard grounding, and lack of supporting land forces) prevented the Neuse from entering action for its intended purpose of re-taking NC coastal territories, particularly New Bern, from Union occupiers.

The vessel was scuttled on March 10, 1865 as overwhelming Union troops marched on Kinston, but not before firing a number of rounds at the Union’s advance cavalry units from its two 6.4” Brooke rifles, the only shots the vessel fired in combat.

CSS Neuse State Historical
2612 West Vernon Avenue
Kinston, NC 28504-3386
(252) 522-2091

http://www.nchistoricsites.org/neuse/neuse.htm