Edenton in Chowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Penelope Barker
Daughter of Dr. Samuel and Elizabeth Blount Pagett
— 1728-1796 —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2023
1. Penelope Barker Marker
America’s first female political activist. Leader of 51 women who signed a Proclamation of Protest in 1774 known as The Edenton Tea Party; The first organized political activity by women in our country, encouraged women to boycott English goods. An intelligent woman, wife, and mother who managed numerous family properties, her heroism remains an inspiration.
Erected by National Society Daughters of the American Colonists; North Carolina State Regent's Project 2018-2020; and Peggy Carney Troxell, NCSDAC State Regent.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Colonists series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1774.
Location. 36° 3.368′ N, 76° 36.574′ W. Marker is in Edenton, North Carolina, in Chowan County. Marker is on South Broad Street south of East Water Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is mounted near the southwest corner of the Penelope Barker House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 505 South Broad Street, Edenton NC 27932, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Penelope Barker House (here, next to this marker); Silent Service Memorial
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Penelope Barker
Also see . . .
1. Penelope Barker: Mother of Women’s Political Liberation.
Penelope Barker may well have been one of the most courageous women in US history. At a time when women simply did not publicly engage in politics, she held a tea party. But it was not really a tea party; it turned into the earliest known political action written and organized by women in the American Colonies!(Submitted on May 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2023
2. Penelope Barker House (west elevation)
2. Penelope Barker.
A loyal patriot of the American Revolution, Penelope Barker organized the famous Edenton Tea Party, the first recorded women’s political demonstration in America. Barker rallied 50 women in Edenton, North Carolina to sign a resolution boycotting British tea. The move was made in response to the 1773 Tea Act, passed by Parliament, which gave the British East India Tea Company a monopoly in the colonies and was the last in a series of taxes and policies that colonists fiercely resented.(Submitted on May 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Penelope Barker.
Penelope (Padgett) Hodgson Craven Barker, commonly known as Penelope Barker, was known as a patriot of the Revolution and ten months after the famous Boston Tea Party, she organized a Tea Party of her own. Barker wrote a statement proposing a boycott of British goods, like cloth and tea. Followed by 50 other women, the Edenton Tea Party was created. It was the "first recorded women's political demonstration in [Colonial] America". Barker continued to protest throughout the Revolutionary War.(Submitted on May 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
