Edenton is a small town on the inner shore of Albemarle Sound that was the first capitol of the North Carolina colony. There are a several colonial era homes as well as numerous victorian homes. The main street remains unspoiled by modern chain stores and restaurants, though some of these can be found on the outskirts of town.
The road to Edenton runs through quiet farm country.
Broad Street lives up to its name.
Shops at dusk in the rain
The Leary Building was the first building in this block after a major fire.
This plain shopfront is adorned with flowers.
Town Square with Civil Mar Memorial
Walking around on our own, we found lovely old homes. Many have signs indicating construction dates on hundred to 250 years ago.
Many houses have formal gardens.
This wraparound porch was a bit unusual.
More often porches were rectangular.
Large crape myrtle trees are everywhere.
Once a bustling port, when the main channel to Albemarle Sound through the sandy islands was closed by a storm, the shipping business dried up and the shoreline has been converted to parkland.
Albemarle River Lighthouse was moved to Edenton and restored
Lighthouse with Barker House in Background
Another park on the waterfront.
Cypress islands are common in the Edenton area.
Cannons occur naturally in this climate.
Homes on the bay with Cypress Island
We took a two hour walking tour hosted by a local guide who took us inside a number of the oldest sites and provided great stories about some of the early citizens.
Cupola House, built in 1758, has been restored and is featured on the walking tour.
Inside or outside, there is hardly a 90 degree angle in the house. According to our guide, studies indicate the house was actually built crooked. Since the house is built on sand, my guess is the foundation began to settle even before construction completed so there was no other way to build it.
A child scratched this message on a Sunday afternoon long ago.
Pomegranate in the back garden of the Cupola House
St. Pauls’s episcopal is the third building on this site and still contains its colonial era furnishings.
Still very colonial looking even the pews retain the original wood.
This small study was built for a rector of St. Paul’s who reportedly had nine children.
The Courthouse is still in use as a courthouse but is also available for other functions.
Courtroom
First Baptist Church. This building was dedicated in 1920. This was not part of the tour but it is the most impressive building in town.
The Edenton Teapot commemorates a gathering of 51 women in 1774 who protested the tea tax and agitated for independence.
Mounted on a Cannon
As the photos show, we had a some clouds and rain during our visit, but one evening the clouds broke up enough for a nice sunset.
Craig W. Shier 