About Edenton

08/29/2024|Cupola House and Gardens|Miscellaneous

Edenton, North Carolina

A visit to Edenton is taking a step back in time. History is vividly evident here in the beautifully maintained historic homes, churches and public buildings.

A charming downtown triggers memories of hometown main streets before malls and massive retailers took away the enjoyment of the corner soda shop, and the excitement of discovering neat little stores dedicated to serving their customers with warm Southern hospitality. You will find this on Edenton’s main street.

Edenton’s History

Edenton was the first capital of colonial North Carolina and home to such notables as James Iredell, Associate Justice of the first U. S. Supreme Court; Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence; Dr. Hugh Williamson, signer of the U. S. Constitution; Samuel Johnston, Governor and U. S. Senator and Penelope Barker, organizer of the Edenton Tea Party in 1774.

During the 18th and early 19th century, Edenton was a thriving Albemarle Sound port, trading with England, the West Indies, and other colonies.

Over time a vast array of magnificent homes and public buildings were erected. Edenton’s Historic District is often referred to as the home of North Carolina’s most impressive collection of 18th, 19th and early 20th century buildings. The Chowan County Courthouse built in 1767 is the finest example of Georgian Architecture in the South. The Cupola House, a National Historic Landmark, is perhaps the finest survivor of the Jacobean style in the country.

Edenton Today

Edenton’s main street ends overlooking the beautiful Albemarle Sound showcasing its cypress trees, city dock, and waterside park. Numerous events occur regularly in Edenton. Three of the most popular are the Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour sponsored by the Edenton Historical Commission, the biennial Historic Edenton Pilgrimage Tour of Homes and Countryside presented by the Edenton Woman’s Club and the biennial Easels in the Gardens presented by the Cupola House Association, Inc.

Edenton has much to offer for all who come here, whether you choose to visit or to live in this unique town.