Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Edenton, NC
Year Listed: 2003
An historic home on Albemarle Sound in Edenton, North Carolina.
Credit: Chowan County Tourism Development Authority
Edenton was home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence - but it was women who put the town on the map. In 1774, Penelope Barker,whose residence is open today to visitors, organized the Edenton Tea Party, the earliest known example of political action by women in the American colonies. Almost a century later, Edenton native Harriet Jacobs wrote Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, which has been reprinted in more than 20 languages. A stroll through the town's historic district provides ample opportunity to soak up three centuries of architecture, including a 1767 Courthouse and the 1750 Cupola House, both among the nation's finest Georgian buildings. Providence Burial Ground, which dates back to the 19th century, is one of 11 stops on a newly developed walking tour of significant African-American historic sites, while waterfront parks and a canoe and kayak trail help visitors explore beautiful Albemarle Sound. Children love Edenton's National Fish Hatchery where an aquarium, exhibits and fishing ponds provide hours of fun, and kids of all ages can take part in the national pastime by rooting for the home team at historic Hicks Field, which boasts the oldest remaining wooden grandstand in the state.
