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 very old and important building in Edenton, North Carolina. It's where local government and legal matters happen for Chowan County, North Carolina. This amazing building was finished in 1767, making it 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.
Contents
About the Courthouse Building
The Chowan County Courthouse stands in the heart of downtown Edenton. You can find it at the corner of East King and Court Streets. A lovely park separates it from the city's waterfront.
Building Design and Features
The courthouse is a two-story building shaped like the letter "T". It's built in the Georgian style, which was popular a long time ago. The bricks are laid in a special pattern called Flemish bond. At the back, there's a round, one-story section. On top, there's a two-part wooden tower called a cupola. This cupola has a cool, curved roof and a tall weather vane on top.
Inside the courthouse, the ground floor has a large courtroom. This is where trials and legal meetings would take place. On the second floor, there's a big ballroom. This space was likely used for important social events and gatherings. Over the years, the building has changed very little, keeping its original look.
A Look Back in Time
Edenton is a very old town. It was first settled in 1658 and officially became a town in 1712. It's known as the first permanent European settlement in North Carolina.
The First Courthouse
Edenton had an earlier courthouse built in 1719. This building was also where the colonial assembly met. The colonial assembly was like the government for the colony back then. That first courthouse was located where the park is today.
Building the Current Courthouse
The current Chowan County Courthouse was planned in 1766 and finished in 1767. People think a person named Gilbert Leigh might have designed it. He lived in Edenton when the building was being constructed. Another person, John Hawks, is also sometimes given credit. He designed another famous building called Tryon Palace in New Bern. The Chowan County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse building still standing in North Carolina.
Historic Edenton Today
The courthouse is one of many important historical places in Edenton. You can visit several other historic sites that are open for tours. 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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