CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center

The CSS Neuse Museum, located in downtown Kinston, houses the remains of the ironclad gunboat CSS Neuse, and exhibits that tell the story of life in Kinston and eastern North Carolina during the Civil War. The CSS Neuse was one of 26 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. As a result of delays in construction, low water, and not enough ground support, the gunboat wasn't able to enter combat outside of Kinston. During the Union occupation in March 1865, the crew of the CSS Neuse burned the ship, causing an explosion in her port bow, which sank her. In addition to exhibits, the Museum has a 10-minute orientation film, children's center, knot tying and ship's wheel interactive, a cognitive corner, sensory bags to check out, and a gift shop. The Museum also offers monthly homeschool programs Sept.-April.