…And many more
In 1658, colonists from Jamestown, Virginia, wandered through the swamps and forests and discovered a natural harbor situated here. The Edenton Colony became the first permanent European settlement in the territory now known as North Carolina. In 1712, the surveyors noted it was “Ye Town on Queen Anne’s Creek.” The Crown appointed a Provincial Governor in 1713, and Governor Charles Eden gave his name to the settlement.
Edenton has an amazing and long history peopled with recognized names from our history books. Many old towns can lay claim to interesting history, and most contain a museum and historical markers. Edenton lives her history. Homes and public buildings 300 years old standing before the founding of our nation, are still in use today. The monuments in Edenton aren’t pillars and statuary for the most part. They are subtle signage, unobtrusive, commemorating the lives of the buildings and those who built them. The town is the Landmark! As the second capital of the Province of North Carolina (1722-1743) and home to many noted persons, there is a lot to commemorate here.
The town takes pride in her history and heritage and leaders take their stewardship seriously. Last week Dave appeared before the Historic Committee to appeal for the building of a single-car garage on our property. It will have the same appearance as the house, only smaller. The garage is necessary for me to store and load my book inventory. This committee decides on everything from materials and color to architectural integrity. Approval awaits documentation on a pine tree we want to remove to build the garage. If it’s more than 50 years old, it can’t be removed. Old age is sacred here.
Our own new old house will have a commemorative sign in this historic town when our research is complete. In the official architectural guide this house is known as James R. Wheeler House, circa 1910. During the restoration we learned it was actually built in 1770s. Boots of some of those historic figures may have tromped through this parlor door 300, 200, 100 years ago. Our respect for this old house keeps growing as we discover more about her, and we love learning the history of our new old town.
We plan to enjoy the birthday party on the bay this weekend and learn more about our new old place. We will have our first weekend guests here. Hope it doesn’t rain on the party.