History seeps from every nook and cranny of Edenton.
The historic 18th-century architecture includes some of the state’s oldest homes and churches, as well as the oldest-operating Colonial Courthouse in America, circa 1767.
North Carolina’s first Colonial capital was also home to the first political action by women in America’s history. Edenton was established in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1722. Once the second largest port in North Carolina, Edenton provided slaves with a means of escape via the Maritime Underground Railroad.
Today, it features an extensive historic district with architectural styles spanning 300 years — boasting National Historic Landmarks and multiple locations on the National Register of Historic Places.
Take the Trolley Tour
Trolley Times & Prices
Travel back in time in style aboard a vintage trolley, where you’ll be guided on a tour through our 300 years of history.
The narrated tour showcases notable sites throughout the Downtown Historic District and Edenton Cotton Mill Village.
The story of Edenton unfolds as you make your way around what was once the beating heart of North Carolina’s Colonial era. Marvel at the restored Victorian mansions adorning Edenton Bay and visit the historic site where Harriet Jacobs bravely sought refuge before her daring escape north via the Underground Railroad. Discover the influential figures who once called Edenton home, including signatories of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as well as one of the first U.S. Supreme Court justices. Their impact shaped not only Edenton’s history, but also that of our nation.
Journey through time as you visit the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, renowned as America’s most preserved Colonial courthouse still in operation. Along the way, you can gaze upon the historic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, and explore The Cupola House, a 1758 gem constructed by Francis Corbin for John Carteret, the Earl of Granville.
Tickets are available at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center (all prices include sales tax):
Cost
- $12.50 Adult (12 and Over)
- $2.25 Child (6-11 Years)
- 5 Years and Under Ride FREE
*Groups of 10 or more are $10 per person
(preferably paid in one transaction)
The trolley tours last approximately 50 minutes and depart several times a day from the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center.
All aboard for a scenic tour of the prettiest small town
in the South!
Known as “Edenton’s Living Room,” this 18th century-Georgian mansion is home to the Edenton Historical Commission. The grand porches overlook the Edenton Bay, whereas inside holds a hub of local history and hospitality. Step back in time and explore the first political action by women in Colonial history with a tour through the museum and welcome center.
Open Wednesday-Monday, 10 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Free Admission.
505 South Broad Street
252-482-7800
info@ehcnc.org
ehcnc.org
Directions
Located in a restored historic home, the Historic Edenton Visitor Center features rotating exhibits and an orientation video about the history of Edenton. While at the center, get information, brochures, tickets and maps for additional historic sites around town.
Daily guided tours take place Tuesday-Saturday.
The 1767 Chowan County Courthouse and 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse are open for tours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available
on-site or at the Historic Edenton Visitor’s Center.
Scheduled Tours
1:00 PM Cupola House (also open Sundays 12-3)
2:00 PM James Iredell House
Tickets
Guided Docent Tours of Courthouse, Lighthouse, and Iredell House
$2.50 each or $5.00 for all three
$5.00 Cupola House
Half-priced tickets for children (3-15), group rates available
Harriet Jacobs Walking Tours and other thematic tours available by reservation only.
The Visitor Center is open with free admission year-round,
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
108 N Broad Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
historicsites.nc.gov/Edenton
Directions
The c.1767 Courthouse is one of the most important and intact public buildings from colonial America. As the oldest government building in North Carolina, it is a National Historic Landmark. The North Carolina Supreme Court actually still tries two cases a year in this location, making it the oldest colonial courthouse still in use in the country. It is a treasure to be able to step back in time and honor Edenton’s history as the first colonial capital of North Carolina with this beautifully preserved monument.
Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the commissioners appointed to raise money for its construction. Prominent Revolutionary patriots, Judges James Iredell and Samuel Johnston heard cases here.
An All-Sites Tour 10 am; 12 pm; 2 pm
Guided Docent Tours, $5.00 adults, $2.50 for children (3-15)
Individual Site Tours can also take place from 10 am – 4 pm
$2.50 per adult, $1.50 per child (ages 3-15)
Tickets available through the Historic Edenton State Historic Site Visitor Center (108 N Broad St.) Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
117 E. King Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
historicsites.nc.gov/Edenton
Directions
Looking over the north shore of Edenton Bay is the historic Cupola House. Here, you can take a stroll through one of North Carolina’s featured Heritage Gardens. Built in 1758 by Frances Corbin, the grand house was designed for the royal government business of Lord Proprietor Robert Carteret, Earl of Granville.
In 1918, citizens rallied to form an organization to save the national landmark from deterioration, and the grounds have been maintained by local volunteers ever since. Every other spring, the Cupola House grounds provide a backdrop for the Easels in the Gardens tour.
Gardens open to public daily 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
House tours Tuesday-Saturday at 1 p.m. by reservation only.
Cost $5.00 per adult, $2.50 per child (ages 3-15), tickets available through Historic Edenton Historic Site at 252-482-2637.
408 S. Broad Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
cupolahouse.org
Directions
The Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District consists of 57 mill houses (1899-1923), a brick office building, an impressive industrial building (1900), and the First Christian Church (1916).
The original office building of the cotton mill is now home to the Edenton Cotton Mill Museum of History.
Open every Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m, and Sunday, noon – 3 p.m.
Watch a video about the Mill Village here.
420 Elliott Street
info@millvillagemuseum.org
millvillagemuseum.org
Directions
An exploration of Edenton and its rich historic assets can be seen in a wonderful self-guided, mobile-friendly walking tour throughout the Historic District featuring pedestal signs with outstanding graphics, photography and interpretation to keep you following the trail.
Visit and learn more about these sites along the Edenton Museum Trail:
(1) Barker House
(3) Joseph Hewes & 1778 Cannons
(6) 1767 Chowan County Courthouse
(7) Old Jail
(8) Oldest House in North Carolina
(10) 1800/1827 James Iredell House
(11) Kadesh Church
(13) 1758 Cupola House
Home of James Iredell, North Carolina Superior Court Judge and Attorney General during the American Revolution, and an Associate Justice on the first U.S. Supreme Court. Also the birthplace of James Iredell Jr., Governor of North Carolina.
An All-Sites Tour 10 am; 12 pm; 2 pm
Guided Docent Tours, $5.00 adults, $2.50 for children (3-15)
Individual Site Tours can also take place from 10 am – 4 pm
$2.50 per adult, $1.50 per child (ages 3-15)
Historic Edenton Visitor Center, 108 N Broad Street
Open 9-5 Tuesday-Saturday. 252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
historicsites.nc.gov/Edenton
Directions
Harriet Jacobs was an Edenton resident who became a fugitive slave, writer and abolitionist. Her book — Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl — is one of the only written accounts of the Maritime Underground Railroad. Pick up a brochure and take a self-guided walking tour of her life in Edenton or make a reservation for a guided tour. Brochures and reservations available at the Historic Edenton Visitor Center.
Call for tour dates. Cost $2.50 per adult, $1.50 per child.
108 N. Broad Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
historicsites.nc.gov/Edenton
Directions
Colonial Waterfront Park represents part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. The Maritime Underground Railroad was a network of African-American watermen who worked with individuals of other races and occupations to arrange passage, by vessel, for enslaved African-Americans seeking freedom. Edenton resident Harriet Jacobs’ description of her escape from slavery in 1842 — chronicled in her book “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” — is one of the few written accounts of this network.
108 N Broad Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
historicsites.nc.gov/Edenton
Built in 1886, Edenton’s Roanoke River Lighthouse is the last remaining screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina. Surviving for over 100 years despite hurricanes, ice floes, war, neglect, and being transported three times, it now stands as a beautifully preserved landmark in the Edenton Bay. Originally, it was located in the Albemarle Sound, marking the entrance to the Roanoke River near Plymouth.
An All-Sites Tour 10 a.m. , 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Guided Docent Tours, $5.00 adults, $2.50 for children (3-15)
Individual Site Tours can also take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$2.50 per adult, $1.50 per child (ages 3-15)
To schedule a tour, group tour or event, contact Historic Edenton State Historic Site by email edenton@ncdcr.gov or call 252-482-2637
As Seen In
Edenton’s Roanoke River Lighthouse Moved Offshore
WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler series profiles the Roanoke River lighthouse move on May 1, 2012.
Roanoke River Lighthouse Restoration
Professionally produced by visitnc.com, this video shows early restoration work being done on the lighthouse when it first arrived in Edenton.
Roanoke River Lighthouse Moved Again
Featured in Lighthouse Digest Magazine
7 Dock Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
Directions
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, begun in 1736, is the second-oldest church building in North Carolina. Three Colonial-era governors are buried in the churchyard.
The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. The church maintains an active congregation and holds regular services.
West Church and North Broad Streets
252-482-3522
stpedenton.org
Directions
The Civil War Trails stretch across six states, connecting visitors to sites and stories that put them in the footsteps of generals, soldiers, citizens and enslaved people who found themselves in the midst of the Civil War.
In Edenton, learn how the Chowan River became a boundary between Federal and Confederate territories, explore the details of the three-hour Battle of the Albemarle Sound on Edenton Harbor, find out how the Edenton Bell Battery artillery unit cast guns using bells from churches and municipal buildings, and trace Harriet Jacobs’ escape from slavery via the Maritime Underground Railroad.
108 N Broad Street
252-482-2637
edenton@ncdcr.gov
civilwartrails.org
Historic Trolley Tour: The guided tour is one of many fun things to do in Edenton, showcasing notable sites throughout the Downtown Historic District and into the Edenton Cotton Mill Village. Discover what Edenton was like during colonial times when it served as North Carolina’s Colonial capital or learn about the many important people who lived in our town, including signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and one of the first justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. They shaped not only the history of Edenton but also of our nation. To experience the Historic Edenton Trolley, contact the Penelope Barker Welcome Center, 252-482-7800.
Boat Tour: Edenton Bay Cruises are available annually from May through October. You can experience history from the perspective of the water- come learn about Edenton, its unique history, and its waterways.
Kayaking Trails: Located throughout a 10-county area, the self-guided paddle trails allow visitors to explore the region’s abundant rivers, creeks, and streams via canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Twenty-two camping platforms are located in three different counties, including Chowan County. Some sites are handicap accessible. The trails and campsites are open year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Explore trail information here.
Harriett Jacobs Tour: After nearly seven years hiding in a tiny garret above her grandmother’s home, Harriet Ann Jacobs took a step other slaves dared to dream in 1842; she secretly boarded a boat in Edenton, bound for Philadelphia, New York, and, eventually, freedom. Harriet Jacobs was an Edenton resident who became a fugitive slave, writer and abolitionist. Her 1861 self published autobiography — Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl — is one of the only written accounts of the Maritime Underground Railroad. Pick up a brochure and take a self-guided walking tour of her life in Edenton or make a reservation for a guided tour. Brochures and reservations available at the Historic Edenton Visitor Center, 252-482-2637.
Historic Ghost Walk: So many Edenton activities are history-centric, but what about the history that truly captures the, well, spirits of Edenton? The Original Edenton Ghost Walk invites you to see a different side of the town. Compiled of residents’ accounts and stories, the tour takes you around the streets of historic downtown, stopping at homes and locations where people have encountered paranormal activity. The tales span from those of years gone by to recent occurrences. The tour doesn’t go into any of the homes, but your imagination is left to run wild about what might occur within them. All ages of participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to snap pictures of these intriguing spots. For more information, click here.
Guided Walking tour: History seeps from every nook and cranny of Edenton and Chowan County. Outstanding historic 18th century architecture includes some of the state’s oldest homes and churches. Visit the James Iredell House, 1767 Chowan County Courthouse and 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, and Cupola House with your professional historic guide through the Historic Edenton State Historic Site, 252-482-2637.
Self-Guided Walking Tour: Edenton’s story simply will not fit inside a single structure unless you want to forget about the original buildings that are part of this little town’s amazing contribution to the creation of the United States and to North Carolina. The contents go beyond buildings to include stories about amazing people who served as the first colonial Governor of North Carolina, told a King “NO,” signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, helping to write both, created our first navy, served as George Washington’s appointee to the very first U. S. Supreme Court, many U. S. Senators, Representatives and Governors of North Carolina and of slaves who became highly respected freed real estate owners, carpenters, and builders of churches. Without a building large enough to tell the story, we created a nice walk through the town connecting the sites. They are all original buildings, not re-creations here, this is the real thing.
African American Experience of Northeastern North Carolina Trail: Visitors to the tour can experience the lesser-known histories of popular tourist destinations that are now being given a new platform to enjoy both in-person and online. From the ornate craftsmanship of the historic Black neighborhood of East Gale Street in Edenton to the Colored Union Soldiers Monument in Hertford, one of the few such statues in the nation, to the Dismal Swamp Canal, hand-dug by enslaved labor over 12 back-breaking years in the late 1700s, the impact of the African American legacy in this part of the state is evidenced at every turn. The Pasquotank River flows through Elizabeth City and once was a gateway to freedom for enslaved peoples as part of what we now know as the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, as was nearby Roanoke Island in Dare County as home to one of the first Freedman’s Colonies in the South during the American Civil War. The Benjamin Bowser Gravesite in Currituck County pays fitting tribute to one of the leaders of the all-Black Pea Island Lifesaving Station crew, the only such pre- U.S. Coast Guard base in the nation. Experience the Trail.
Crossing the bridge over Queen Anne’s Creek, you’ll find yourself swiftly transported to a vast and picturesque country estate. The history of Hayes Farm in Edenton is rich and storied, reflecting a significant part of North Carolina’s heritage. Originally settled in the late 18th century by Samuel Johnston, who went on to become the fourth governor of North Carolina and a United States Senator, the property became a marvel of Chowan County. His son Gabriel, a lifelong Bachelor, inherited the estate and left it to his best friend and business partner, Edward Wood. The farm has been home to the Wood Family for over 150 years, but in recent efforts has been purchased by the State of North Carolina to ensure its preservation under the care of the local Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation.
Plans are underway to transform the property into a state historic site, providing public access to educational and recreational opportunities. The 194-acre site, featuring unique wetlands and breathtaking views of the Albemarle Sound, is set to be a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. As part of the restoration, Hayes Farm will also serve as a crucial access point to the Albemarle Sound for water recreation. Visit Edenton is proud to support this project as a symbol of the town’s commitment to preserving its past while also investing in its future.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and developments regarding the beloved Hayes Farm.
