Historic Edenton, NC

On its website, www.edenton.org, Edenton, North Carolina, calls itself "the South's prettiest small town." I don't think they're far off, especially as far a colonial history goes. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit there. Built at the mouth of the Chowan River on the Albemarle Sound in a picturesque setting, the location allowed early ships to dock.

The town site of Edenton had been laid out in 1712. In 1716, the governing body of the Carolina colony decided to make it the seat of government, and it was incorporated in 1722. As it grew, it became familiar to many well-known figures and held some noted firsts. For example in 1774, fifty-one women held a tea party and formed an alliance in support of the American cause to stand against taxation without representation. It became known as the Edenton Tea Party.

For a reasonable fee, guides give walking tours of the historic district, which includes being guided through several of the houses. They really do make history come alive, and I found it to be a quality tour. Tours start at the visitors' center.

Historic Edenton State Historic Site
108 North Broad Street, Edenton, NC
(252) 482-2637
Edenton@ncmail.net
www.edenton.nchistoricsites.org

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