Town of Edenton
| Incorporated in 1715, the first permanent settlement in North Carolina, Edenton is the "mothertown" of the state. Edenton at once became the focal point of civilization in the Province, the capital of the colony and home of the Royal Governors. In 1728, Edenton was established as the colonial capital of North Carolina. Hundreds of ships made the town a regular port of call, offloading food and other vital goods and shipping agricultural products of the region to European ports. The result was a thriving economy that brought life to Northeastern North Carolina. |
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Students of history are familiar with the Boston Tea Party, but how many have heard of the Edenton Tea Party? In 1744, over fifty of Edenton's leading ladies (including the wife of a British tax agent) signed a pledge to cease using East India Tea, thus showing that southern merchants were in accord with their Boston cousins in opposing British taxation. The Edenton Tea Party, as it came to be known, was one of many colonial-era events that helped position Edenton as one of the most important ports on the east coast.
Today, visitors can revisit Edenton's colonial past with tours through a beautiful historic district that some say surpasses Williamsburg, primarily because the homes and buildings of Edenton are not reconstructed, but are the restored originals. Over twenty-five homes and public buildings comprise the historic district. The waterfront is a favorite spot for boaters; land travelers will find bed and breakfasts and inns an enchanting way to experience Edenton's hospitality and charm.
Located on the Albemarle Sound, Edenton is one of the most historic towns in the Inner Banks. The Town and Chowan County boast a diverse manufacturing and agri-business base that is the anchor of local economy. Thanks to FoR ENC's Creative Communities Initiative, Edenton will have the opportunity to diversify its economy even more. With a vibrant downtown and a strong medical community, the town has become a desirable place to live and work. The citizens of Edenton look forward to working with FoR ENC and the other towns participating in the Creative Communities Initiative, to developing a plan to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing post-industrial, knowledge-based economy.
For more information on Edenton, visit www.visitedenton.com or call the Chowan County Tourism Development Authority at (800) 775-0111.
