Edenton Historic District

The Edenton Historic District encompasses 342 buildings, 4 sites, and 3 structures arranged along Freemason, Oakum, Water, and Mosely Streets. These structures span different periods and show how the town developed from a colonial port into its present form.

The Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767, is the oldest continuously operating colonial courthouse in North America and anchors the district's past. This building has served government functions without interruption since its construction, witnessing the town's transformation over centuries.

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, established in 1736, remains a spiritual center where locals and visitors gather for worship and reflection. The church's presence shapes how the district functions as a place where faith and community life are woven into daily routines.

Start your visit at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, where you can get information and book guided tours or trolley rides through the district. Walking the streets at your own pace or joining a tour helps you notice details and understand how the buildings relate to each other across the neighborhood.

The Lane House, dating to 1718, is the oldest surviving residential building in North Carolina and reveals how early colonists constructed their homes. Its survival offers a rare window into the building practices and daily life of the region's first decades.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1774

GPS coordinates: 36.05970,-76.61030

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42