New Bern (pop. 23,128) is North Carolina's second oldest town, after Bath. It lies at the junction of the Trent and Neuse rivers, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the Atlantic Ocean. In 1766, New Bern became the capital of the North Carolina colony and a major port. It remained the capital until 1778. The coming of the railroads in the mid-1800's contributed to the decline of its importance as a port.