Historic Edenton State Historic Site

Featuring 18th and early 19th century history, North Carolina's second oldest town, Edenton, was one of the fledgling nation's chief political, cultural, and commercial centers. The state's first colonial capital, it was established in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1722. Once its second largest port, Edenton provided slaves with a means of escape via the Maritime Underground Railroad before Emancipation.

Historic Edenton State Historic Site offers guided walking tours daily Sunday through Saturday and guided trolley tours Tuesday through Saturday for walk-in visitors. Walking tours include interiors of c. 1736 St. Paul's Episcopal Church, c. 1758 Cupola House National Historic Landmark, c. 1782 Barker House, 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark, and c. 1773 James Iredell House. Trolley tours cover a larger area of the Edenton National Register Historic District. Visitors Center includes exhibits, audiovisual program about Edenton history and gift shop.

The site sponsors special events and programs throughout the year. Programs for student groups can be scheduled to include hands-on domestic skills and games of the colonial era and to meet curriculum needs. Student groups and adult groups call for group tour reservations.

Visitors center offers free admission; nominal fee for guided tours. Closed New Year's Day, M.L. King, Jr. Holiday, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 24-25.

Hwy 17 - exit 227 to downtown - left on Broad to North Broad - Historic Edenton State Historic Site will be on the right hand side.