Edenton in Chowan County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
1767 Chowan County Courthouse
— Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail —
The Chowan County Courthouse was erected in 1767, replacing an earlier wooden structure as the seat of government. The structure is considered the finest Georgian-style courthouse in the United States and features a Flemish bond brick exterior, whitewashed plaster walls, an English ballast stone floor, and an elliptical apse. The lower floor features a large courtroom flanked by offices, and the second floor consists of a large chamber or ballroom.
The courthouse is the oldest public building in North Carolina. It is one of only five colonial courthouses in existence and the only one still in use. The North Carolina Supreme Court and the local superior court, as well as other government agencies, conduct business here. The courthouse has been restored to its colonial appearance and is maintained as a museum by Historic Edenton State Historic Site.
A Brief History of the Chowan County Courthouse
1712
North Carolina Colonial Assembly establishes a town on 100 acres at the fork of Queen Anne's Creek, with land dedicated for a courthouse.
1716
Wood frame courthouse is constructed at the north end of the Courthouse Green.
1767
Current courthouse is constructed as the result of an act sponsored by Joseph Hewes, later a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
1971
Courthouse is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
2001
Foundation of 1724 Governor's Council Chamber is discovered under the courthouse.
2004
Courthouse restoration is completed.
This self-guided museum trail is numbered for convenience. However participants can begin or end where desired.
The Museum Trail is a product of the Edenton Historical Commission. Special Thanks to Kip Shaw Photography, William Ahearn Arts, and the North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites
Erected by Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Law Enforcement • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the Signers of the Declaration of Independence series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1767.
Location. 36° 3.464′ N, 76° 36.483′ W. Marker is in Edenton, North Carolina, in Chowan County. Marker is at the intersection of East King Street and Colonial Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East King Street. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, at the southeast corner of the intersection, overlooking the historic courthouse across King Street to the north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 East King 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. Edenton Tea Pot (within shouting distance of this marker); Residence of Mrs. Elizabeth King (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Punishment (within shouting distance of this marker); Chowan County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); 1825 Chowan County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Hewes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Joseph Hewes (about 400 feet away); Josephine Napoleon Leary (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edenton.
Regarding 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. National Register of Historic Places #70000447. National Historic Landmark (1970).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Edenton Historical Commission Museum Trail
Also see . . .
1. Chowan County Courthouse. Wikipedia entry:
The old Chowan County Courthouse is located in downtown Edenton. It is separated from the city waterfront by a one-block park. It is a two-story, "T"-shaped Georgian style building. It has a one-story semicircular apse at its center rear and features a two-stage wooden cupola with ogival roof surmounted by a tall-weathervane.(Submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Chowan County Courthouse (1767). North Carolina History Project website entry:
Although the Chowan County Courthouse architect is unknown, historians consider it to be John Hawks, architect of the Tryon Palace, or Gilbert Leigh. During the American Revolution, notables such as Joseph Hewes, James Iredell, and Samuel Johnston practiced law and met in the courthouse. In the 1770s and 1780s the second floor was used as an assembly room for North Carolina Patriots. The Masons of Unanimity #7, an organization to which George Washington once belonged, met in the building in the late 1770s.(Submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. 1767 Chowan County Courthouse — A National Historic Landmark. Edenton Historical Commission website entry:
Standing at the head of the Courthouse Green since 1767, the Chowan County Courthouse is one of the most important surviving buildings from the colonial period in North Carolina. The Courthouse was the most important building for public and community activities in Chowan County and Edenton from the late 18th century into the 21st century.(Submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 26, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.