Featuring 18th and early 19th century history, North Carolina's second oldest town Edenton was one of the fledgling nation's chief political, cultural, and commercial centers. The state's first colonial capital, it was established in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1722. Once its second largest port, Edenton provided slaves with a means of escape via the Maritime Underground Railroad before Emancipation. Today it features an extensive historic district with architectural styles spanning 250 years, such as the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark. Read the complete overview
Programs, Group Activities
Special events are conducted throughout the year. Hands-on activities are available for scheduled groups. Guided tours on topics of special interest are available by advanced requests. An Elderhostel program is conducted annually.
Guided Tours
Guided walking tours include:- 1736 St. Paul's Episcopal Church
- 1758 Cupola House
- c. 1782 Barker House
- 1767 Chowan County Courthouse
- 1800/1827 Iredell House
Guided trolley and bus tours (bus not included) are also available. If your group would like a tour about a topic of special interest to you, or if you have special needs, be sure to let us know when you contact us to schedule your tour. Groups of ten or more please contact us for reservations.
Fees
No admission fee for the visitor center. Fees for guided tour packages range from $1.00 to $10 per person. Group and family rates available. Please call us at 252-482-2637.
Other Resources
What's New
- Roanoke River Lighthouse webcam
- Roanoke River Lighthouse video (WRAL-TV)
- Edenton and the War of 1812
Upcoming Events
- May 17: Gov. Eden Symposium
Friday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Join us for a special symposium at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse as part of Edenton's 300th Celebration. This symposium is part of the Elizabeth Vann Moore Lectures, and includes Lindley S. Butler, PH.D., NC Maritime History Consultant, and Marvin T. Jones, BFA, Executive Director Chowan Discovery Group. Program includes exhibit tours in the afternoon of Shepard-Pruden Library, Cupola House and Barker House. $25 adult pre-registration, $12 student pre-registration, and $30 on-site registration. Make checks payable to: NC Literary & Historical Association and mail to Historic Edenton State Historic Site, 108 N Broad St. Edenton, NC. - May 18: Governor's Day
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Help us celebrate Edenton's 300th with a special celebration on the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse Green! The morning activities include Native American demonstrations, roaming colonial characters, music, food vendors, and a special ceremony with 2013's Governor Pat McCrory and 1713's Royal Governor Charles Eden. Following the ceremony, spend the afternoon playing colonial games and participating in colonial craft activities on the Iredell lawn, and touring the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, historic Iredell House, 1758 Cupola House, and the Barker House. All activities are free, and open to the public! Families welcomed!
Historic Edenton Information
Contact Us
Historic Edenton
108 N. Broad St.
Edenton, N.C. 27932
Phone: (252) 482-2637
Email: edenton@ncdcr.gov
Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and state holidays.
Tourism Development Authority
P.O. Box 245
116 East King St
Edenton, N.C. 27932
Phone: (800) 775-0111 or (252) 482-3400