Edenton’s history, spanning over 300 years, comes to life and infiltrates every nook and cranny of the “South’s Prettiest Small Town” on the Albemarle Sound.
From rumors of visits by the infamous pirate Blackbeard to the story of courageous women taking political action in what is now called the “Edenton Tea Party,” you can’t visit Edenton without learning at least a part of its history!
Edenton boasts an extensive historic district with an impressive array of architecture, multiple National Historic Landmarks, and several prominent locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This historic town is a history-lover’s paradise!
One of the prominent historic landmarks, that has been lovingly preserved and has recently undergone careful renovations, is the 1800/1827 Iredell House Homesite, listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places.
The house was built in 1773 as the home of James Iredell, Sr. (1751-1799), who was appointed by President George Washington to the first U.S. Supreme Court in 1790.
Born in England, James Iredell, Sr. came to the American Colonies at the age of 17 and found work at the customs house in Edenton.
He began to study law under Samuel Johnston of nearby Hayes Farm (eventually marrying Johnston’s sister) and quickly rose in prominence as a lawyer and politician.
He advocated for American Independence and worked closely with President George Washington and John Adams to establish early standards for U.S. law.
When he passed away in Edenton at the age of 48, his widow enlarged the house to the present day two-story, center-hall floor plan.
His son, James Iredell, Jr., also lived in the house during his boyhood, though he frequently stayed with his uncle, Samuel Johnston, at nearby Hayes Farm.
James Iredell, Jr. became the twenty-third governor of North Carolina and also served in the U.S. Senate.
This historic house, which remained in the Iredell family’s estate until 1870, was acquired by the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in 1948.
In the “take-action” spirit of the women of the original Edenton Tea Party, the women of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter DAR took action in an effort to save the Iredell House Homesite and preserve its history for future generations.
The two-story, L-shaped house is architecturally significant as an example of both Federal and Georgian style design elements, with its gabled roof, louvered shutters, and two-story verandas spanning both the front and rear elevations of the home.
In addition to the exterior design elements, the James Iredell Association has diligently worked to furnish the house in period pieces and bring its history to life for the public.
While the State of North Carolina owns and administers the house, the daily care and maintenance is overseen by the staff at the Historic Edenton State Historic Site, who also offer tours of the main house and several outbuildings.
Former site manager, Robert Hopkins, had a vision for implementing necessary renovations and improvements on the house, which he successfully was able to see started before his recent retirement.
Under the guidance and expertise of Down East Preservation, a local construction and design company also working to preserve Hayes Farm, renovations on the house have been ongoing for the past several months.
Down East Preservation has been able to use historic techniques to rebuild the two-story verandas, repair brick and lattice work, and complete masonry work in a way that preserves the historical integrity of the building.
In addition, the entire house has been repainted, inside and outside, to match historical paint colors previously used on the home and uncovered during the renovation process.
Though completing all of this important work has meant that the house has been closed to tourists in recent months, these renovations are essential to ensure the preservation and continued enjoyment of Edenton’s history for generations to come.
The Historic Edenton State Historic Site Visitors Center is hoping to hold a soft opening of the Iredell House Homesite during the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Edenton Tea Party this coming October.
We hope you’ll be joining us this coming October for a celebration of Edenton’s history and stop by the newly renovated Iredell House Homesite!
We can’t wait to see you soon.
