About Craven County

County OverviewA large brick building.

Craven County Today

Today, Craven County's history contributes to one of its major economic engines - tourism. The 20th century has also brought a strong military presence back to Craven County with the establishment of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Progressive, forward-looking accomplishments can be seen in the areas of facility development, accessibility of services, economic development, conservation/environment, and the ability to operate with mobility and flexibility.

About Our Government

Craven County adopted the County Manager form of government in 1979. The Administration Department, under the leadership of the County Manager, provides administrative support to the Board of Commissioners and maintains overall responsibility for operation of the County's departments.

It serves also as staff support for all departments in the areas of special projects, budgeting, and bidding. Custody of the County seal and official records of the governing body is the responsibility of the Administration Department.

County FunctionsA mounted plane statue.

Although counties and municipalities often work collaboratively and may have some parallel responsibilities, there are several areas of responsibility that distinguish counties from cities.

Counties in North Carolina are solely responsible for maintaining vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates), maintaining land records, providing for health and social services, conducting elections, providing school and court facilities, and establishing the appraised value of real property. Additionally, in Craven County, the hospital and airport are owned by the County and governed by an appointed authority.

What You Do for Craven County

You can be a good citizen. Citizen involvement is invited and encouraged. Citizens may participate in Craven County affairs by:

  • A marina full of boats.Being a caretaker of the county by taking pride in the appearance and taking part in the upkeep of public spaces
  • Contributing ideas
  • Learning how county government works
  • Voting in all elections
  • Volunteering to serve on sub-committees and boards established by the county

County History

County Seal & NameWilliam, Earl of Craven

Craven County was named in honor of William, Earl of Craven, who lived from 1606 to 1697. His death preceded the establishment of Craven County, and he never had the pleasure of visiting the county which carries his name. View a vivid (JPG) or soft (JPG) hi-definition image of William, Earl of Craven.

The official Craven County seal was designed and adopted in 1981, using the coat-of-arms of the Earl, which is also the coat-of-arms of his nephew, William, Lord Craven, who succeeded him as Lord Proprietor of Carolina. The motto on the seal, "Virtus in Actione Consistit" translates to "Virtue Consists in Action".

1700s

Craven County, originally included as a precinct of Bath County, was established in its present form in 1712. New Bern became its county seat in 1722, and was also the capital of the colony and first state capital until 1794. Because of its location, situated between the Albemarle and Cape Fear, Craven County grew in size and importance during the mid 18th century due to the significance of its county seat as a river port.

1800s

As Craven County moved into the 19th century, it continued to flourish as the developing railroad system served to further New Bern's commercial dominance, wealth, and cultural sophistication. These influences were also felt in the communities surrounding the city. During the Civil War, there was significant activity occurring in Craven County, and remains of some of the battlegrounds can still be found.