Edenton in Chowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
1758 Cupola House
An illustrious landmark of Edenton, Built by Francis Corbin, Land Agent to the Earl of Granville
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, September 11, 2021
1. 1758 Cupola House Marker
A Brief History of the Cupola House
1758-1767: Francis Corbin builds Cupola House. Francis Corbin dies.
1777: Dr. Samuel Dickinson purchases house.
1918: Owners in financial despair sell downstairs woodwork to Brooklyn Museum. Citizens form Cupola House Association, first in NC to save a historic dwelling.
1921: For 45 years Cupola House is the local library, later a Tea Room is added upstairs.
1966-1971: Rehabilitated Cupola House opens as a house museum to great acclaim. Cupola House designated as a National Historic Landmark with national significance.
1973: All surrounding original land regained as part of Cupola House property.
2008: Celebrated 250-year anniversary with total restoration; Cupola House Association in its 90th year as oldest such non-profit in North Carolina.
Erected by the Edenton Historical Commission with support from the Edenton Woman's Club. Special thanks to Kip Shaw Photography and William Ahearn Arts. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1758.
Location. 36° 3.452′ N, 76° 36.568′ W. Marker is in Edenton, North Carolina, in Chowan
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Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Josephine Napoleon Leary (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Old Cupola House Kitchen? (within shouting distance of this marker); Vinyl Night (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Hewes (within shouting distance of this marker); Residence of Mrs. Elizabeth King (about 400 feet away); Edenton Tea Pot (about 400 feet away); 1767 Chowan County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Joseph Hewes (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edenton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Our Confederate Dead (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail
Also see . . .
1. Museum Trail 1758 Cupola House. (Submitted on September 13, 2021.)
2. Cupola House Association. (Submitted on September 13, 2021.)
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, September 11, 2021
2. Cupola House
Photographed by Ray Gurganus
3. 1758 Cupola House Marker
The perfect holiday setting, Wassail and Christmas
confections framed among intricate woodwork
remind us today of years long past.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus
4. 1758 Cupola House Marker
Collections from the past adorn every room, reminding
us the Cupola House is a true connection to our
colonial history. Students of history, art and
architecture visit frequently to study the Cupola
House, its unique finishes and collections.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus
5. 1758 Cupola House Marker
For 141 years the Dickinson family owned the house. The last descendant, alone and in financial despair, sold priceless antiques and surrounding land. The Brooklyn Museum of Art made an offer she could not refuse and the museum bought the downstairs woodwork.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus
6. 1758 Cupola House Marker
Local citizens discovered the woodwork had been sold, all attempts to stop the sale failed. They stepped in and purchased the house. In 1918, they formed the Cupola House Association. Since that day this association has respectfully cared for and restored the house; its artifacts, collections and grounds to its original beauty, seeing as a lasting link with our nation's beginnings.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 17, 2023
7. Cupola House Marker
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 375 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 12, 2021, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 7. submitted on June 17, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
