History of Craven County, North Carolina in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 30, 2025

Craven County, North Carolina, established in 1705 and officially recognized as a county in 1739, had a population of 100,720 as of the 2020 census. Its county seat is New Bern. Originally named Archdale Precinct, it was later renamed in honor of William, Earl of Craven. It forms part of the New Bern Micropolitan Statistical Area.

1900: Black Disenfranchisement

In 1900, Craven County solidified as a "Solid South" county in presidential voting patterns following black disenfranchisement.

1904: Solidly Democratic

After black disenfranchisement in 1900 and up until 1948, Craven County was solidly Democratic. Starting in 1904, and four times in the following years, the GOP proportion fell into single figures.

1928: Anti-Catholic Vote

In 1928, the GOP reached one quarter of the vote due to a large anti-Catholic vote cast against Al Smith.

1948: Solidly Democratic

Until 1948, Craven County was solidly Democratic.

1968: Shift Away from Democratic Party

In 1968, the white electorate in Craven County began to defect to George Wallace’s American Independent campaign due to the national Democratic party's support for the Civil Rights Movement.

1976: Last Democrat to Carry Craven County

In 1976, Jimmy Carter was the last Democrat to carry Craven County.

2000: 2000 Census Data

In 2000, the census recorded that there were 91,436 people, 34,582 households, and 25,071 families residing in Craven County. The population density was 129 people per square mile.

2020: 2020 census population

In 2020, the census recorded the population of Craven County, North Carolina, as 100,720.

March 2022: Voter Registration Statistics

As of March 2022, Craven County had 70,286 registered voters, with 26,225 registered as Republican, 20,135 as Democrats, and 23,393 as unaffiliated.

January 2025: Inmate Escapes Craven County Jail

In January 2025, John Matthew Nigh, an inmate, escaped from the Craven County Jail with the help of two cellmates. He was being held on multiple felony charges. A manhunt ensued after he was detected absent from his cell within 12 hours.

February 6, 2025: Search Continues for Escaped Inmate

As of February 6, 2025, John Matthew Nigh, who escaped from the Craven County Jail in January 2025, has not been located. Multiple law enforcement agencies and the United States Marshals Service are assisting in the search.