In a collection of articles that is always informative and often lighthearted, local columnist Bill Hand recounts the fascinating tale of New Bern’s history, including its name’s strange spelling transitions. From its founding by Swiss colonist Baron De Graffenreid in 1710 through the twentieth century, New Bern has had a rich and storied history. Venture back through New Bern’s history and discover the story behind North Carolina’s most famous governor, William Tryon, the tale of the person who built the first car in North Carolina, why two men had a curious duel over a piece of cake, the story of Camp Battle–a World War II prisoner of war camp–and many more.