Chowan County Courthouse facts for kids
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Chowan County Courthouse
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Main façade of Chowan County Courthouse
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 101 S Broad St., Edenton, North Carolina |
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| Built | 1767 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000447 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
The Chowan County Courthouse is a really old and important building in Edenton, North Carolina. Edenton is the main town, or county seat, of Chowan County, North Carolina. This courthouse was built way back in 1767. It's known as one of the best examples of a special building style called Georgian architecture in the southern United States. Because it's so important, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
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Discovering the Chowan County Courthouse
The old Chowan County Courthouse is in the center of Edenton. You can find it at the corner of East King and Court Streets. A small park separates it from the city's waterfront.
What Does It Look Like?
This building has two stories and is shaped like a "T". It was built in the Georgian style. This style was popular when the building was new. At the back, there's a round, one-story part called an apse. On top, there's a two-part wooden tower called a cupola. This cupola has a cool, curved roof and a tall weather vane.
Inside the courthouse, the main floor has a big courtroom. This is where trials and important meetings would happen. Upstairs, there's a large ballroom. This space was likely used for parties and community events. The building still looks much like it did when it was first built. Only small changes have been made over time.
A Glimpse into Edenton's Past
Edenton was first settled by Europeans in 1658. It officially became a town in 1712. Many people consider it the very first permanent European settlement in North Carolina.
The town's first courthouse was built in 1719. It was also where the colonial assembly, like a government meeting place, gathered. That first courthouse was located where the park is now.
Building the New Courthouse
The current Chowan County Courthouse was ordered to be built in 1766. It was finished in 1767. People think that Gilbert Leigh might have designed it. He lived in Edenton when the courthouse was being built. Another architect, John Hawks, might have also helped. He designed Tryon Palace in New Bern and was active in North Carolina at that time. This courthouse is the oldest one still standing in North Carolina!
Explore Historic Edenton
The Chowan County Courthouse is one of many important places in Historic Edenton. You can visit other historic sites nearby. These include the James Iredell House, the Roanoke River Light, the Barker House, the Cupola House, and St. Paul's Church.
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