Visit to Edenton,NC

23 March 2018

After visiting Fort Branch, we drove to Edenton, NC on Hwy 17 east. Edenton was founded in 1712 and served as North Carolina's first Colonial capital until 1743. Joseph Hewes, the first colonial Secretary of the Navy and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was inspired by the beautiful waterfront to create a colonial navy to break the British blockade of Boston.

Revolutionary Cannons

Confederate Memorial

Bronze Cannons from the Bell Battery

In 1774 the earliest organized women's political movement took place when 51 women supported the cause against taxation without representation. A replica of the teapot is viewed near the courthouse.

Signage About the Teapot

The Teapot Replica

The Chowan County Courthouse is the most intact Colonial courthouse in America built in 1767. The courthouse has been used for many purposes..public,Masonic, religious meetings,dance lessons and exhibits. During the flu epidemic of 1918, the Red Cross used the building. The Courthouse Green runs to the Revolutionary War Cannons facing Edenton Bay.

Signage About the Chowan Courthouse

Chowan County Courthouse

Edenton is a very scenic area located on the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound with many charming homes, shops and restaurants.

Homes on the Bay

Lone Tree in the Bay

One of Several Historic Buildings on Broad St

The Cupola House was built in 1758 and has been restored. The owner, Francis Corbin died in 1767.The house was purchased in 1777 by Dr Samuel Dickinson and his descendants called it home for over 141 years. Due to limited income by the last of the family to own it they were unable to care for the home and it fell into ruin. The once famous gardens were sold for commercial development and family treasures were sold. Finally in 1918, citizens rallied to save it and today it stands proudly looking over the bay and the gardens restored.

Cupola House

The Roanoke Lighthouse was decomissioned in 1941 and moved to private land where it deteriorated. Barker house which is . It was first lit in 1886 and located on screw-pilings in the Albemarle Sound marking the entrance to Roanoke River . It was moved to present location in 2012 and restored.

Signage About Lighthouse

Lighthouse

Roanoke Lighthouse

The Penelope Barker house which houses the Welcome Center was built in 1782. It was originally located two blocks north and rolled to its present site in 1952, turned to face the water. Visitors enter through the back door, which in the South means you are welcome. Penelope organized the Edenton Tea Party in 1774. There is much more to her life which can be found online thru the Edenton Historical Commission. ehcnc.org

Signage About Penelope Barker House

Penelope Barker House-Visitor Center

Side View

Water View

The town was also home to Harriet Jacobs, escaped slave, abolitionist and writer who hid here for 7 years as a fugitive. She authored "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl". She died in 1897 in Washington DC. She was born in Edenton in 1813.

We had lunch at 309 Bistro on Broad St. The Cuban sandwiches were very good.

Wish we would have had more time here and if we have time before leaving, want to return as we missed so much.

Can't believe that having lived in NC during my childhood summers, I never got to this part of NC. Seems we always went to the mountains. Maybe on one of our journeys, we will return.