Historic Edenton packs a lot to experience into a little town. Waterfront views, historic buildings, and incredible stories are beautifully preserved in one of the South’s prettiest towns. Plan a visit to this former colonial capital and explore the themes of freedom and resilience through more than 300 years of history.
Here are suggestions for a day in Historic Edenton:
Visit the Historic Edenton State Historic Site Visitor Center
108 North Broad Street
Edenton, NC 27932
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Start your day in Historic Edenton at the State Historic Site Visitor Center where you can get oriented and pick up information to guide your exploration.
- Watch the audio-visual presentation of Edenton’s history.
- Purchase tour tickets for the State Historic Site buildings: Chowan County Courthouse, Roanoke River Lighthouse, and the James Iredell House. This is also where you’ll purchase tour tickets for the Cupola House.
- Pick up a Harriet Jacobs self-guided tour map or schedule a guided tour.
Tour the Buildings of the State Historic Site
There are several buildings that are part of the Historic Edenton State Historic Site.
James Iredell House, Historic Edenton. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
- The James Iredell House: This location is very close to the Historic Site Visitor Center, so it’s your natural next stop. This was the home of James Iredell, Sr., who President George Washington appointed to the first U.S. Supreme Court. His son, James Iredell, Jr., served as governor of North Carolina.
- 1767 Chowan County Court House: From the Iredell House, walk toward the waterfront down Broad Street or Court Street to the Court House. This National Historic Landmark building is the oldest courthouse still actively used in North Carolina.
- 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse: At the waterfront, you can’t miss this unusual screwpile lighthouse that originally stood guard at the mouth of the Roanoke River. This fully restored structure gives a unique look at life on the water for lighthouse keepers and their families.
One of Edenton’s most notable figures was writer, abolitionist, and educator Harriet Jacobs. The story of her life, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself, details her early years of enslavement in Edenton and her escape to freedom. The Harriet Jacobs tours highlight many locations mentioned in her book.
- If you’re doing the self-guided walking tour, it’s easy to incorporate the Historic Site building tours into your plan. After you tour the James Iredell House, make your way toward the waterfront down Broad Street, which is along the Harriet Jacobs tour route.
- Guided Harriet Jacobs tours are offered by reservation or on special scheduled tour dates. Check the historic site’s Facebook page for special events and scheduled guided tours.
While you’re here:
Cupola House, Historic Edenton. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Beyond the State Historic Site, Edenton has a high concentration of historic structures and things to do for visitors. Here are a few you may want to check out:
- Penelope Barker House Welcome Center: Penelope Barker was an activist who led a protest against English goods in October 1774. The event became known as the Edenton Tea Party, the first recorded women’s political demonstration in America. Her house on Edenton Bay houses the Edenton Historical Commission, information for visitors, and exhibits.
- Edenton Trolley Tours: If you don’t want to do a lot of walking, that’s ok. The Historic Edenton Trolley Tours offer the opportunity to sit back and relax while a guide shares the stories of Edenton’s historic buildings and beautiful waterfront on Edenton Bay. Tickets are available at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center.
- Cupola House and Gardens: The Cupola House and formal gardens are a “can’t miss” experience in Historic Edenton. This house museum is an extraordinary example of early Colonial architecture. While the Cupola House is not specifically part of the state historic site, you must purchase tickets for the guided tour at the Historic Edenton State Historic Site Welcome Center (not at the Penelope Barker House).
- Colonial Park and Edenton Harbor: Edenton’s beautiful Colonial Park on the waterfront is a picturesque hub of activity for locals and visitors alike. If you have kids who need to burn some energy, Colonial Park has an awesome playground with shade and benches to take a break. The park is a lovely spot for a picnic, but also close to restaurants for a convenient meal. For outdoor enthusiasts, the harbor offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals so you can spend some time on the water.
Colonial Park playground, Historic Edenton. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Historic Edenton State Historic Site
Location: Edenton , NC
County: Chowan
Region: Coast
Interest Area: History, America 250 NC Commemoration