CHOWAN COUNTY, NC

County Offices
305 West Freemason Street
Edenton 252-482-8431
www.chowancounty-nc.gov

Chamber of Commerce
101 West Water Street
Edenton 800-775-0111
www.visitedenton.com

Nestled in the charming Inner Banks region of northeastern North Carolina, Chowan County features Edenton as the seat of county government. Often referred to as “the South’s prettiest town,” Edenton features the oldest courthouse in the nation and a rich history that dates back to the late 17th century. This center of beauty and historic significance attracts as many 35,000 tourists each year.

Services
Excellence in education is a vital part of this rural community, anchored by the Edenton-Chowan Schools with its comprehensive cultural arts program and strong and balanced athletic programs. This public school system has twice garnered the prestigious Governor’s Program of Excellence award. Opportunities for a higher education are just around the corner from home at the satellite campus for the College of Albemarle. The Chowan County offerings have significantly expanded in the past decade to offer a multi-site satellite campus that offers comprehensive services, a number of certificate and diploma programs, and first-year studies leading to a four-year degree. At the same time, this campus actively supports local business and industry with education and training programs in addition to expanded resources and a Community Conference Center. Several community college systems and a number of private colleges and public universities are available within a reasonable commute, including East Carolina University in Greenville and Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City.

Edenton also serves as the healthcare hub for Chowan County, home to Chowan Hospital. This institution is part of the renowned University Health Systems that is affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Growing and expanding for more than 60 years, Cowan Hospital provides regional services and programs to 110,000 people in seven counties. Offering highly advanced and specialized care for inpatients and outpatients, the skilled medical staff includes some of the finest primary care, pediatric, internal medicine physicians and surgeons in the region. The affiliation with University Health Systems opens the door for advanced collaborations like the telemedicine link with the Brody School of Medicine. Specialized medical and surgical services include intensive care, a surgical center, emergency department, an expanded labor and delivery suite, and bone density screening.

Lifestyle
Newcomers and visitors to Chowan County are immediately charmed by the visual delight of a remarkable collection of Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival buildings. The historic preservation evident throughout the county drives such a brisk tourism trade that tours are offered on a daily basis. The 1767 Courthouse is one the finest Georgian courthouses in the South and one of the most important public buildings in all of Colonial America. This National Historic Landmark, also the oldest government building in North Carolina, was the stage for the roles of such famous figures as Joseph Hewes, Samuel Johnston, and James Iredell. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the second oldest building in the state and described by architectural historians as “an ideal in village churches” with its handsome Flemish bond brick edifice. Other treasures include the Barker-Moore House, the Cupola House, and the James Iredell, Sr. House.

Those who enjoy outdoor adventures will find a number of outstanding recreational sites close to home, including rolling rivers for water sports and fishing or deep forests for hiking and cycling. State and county parks dot the region with green space for active and passive recreation, complementing the public and private sports clubs that offer swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and opportunities to socialize. Wonderful restaurants, delightful bed and breakfast inns, and colorful celebrations add to the quality of life. Some of the popular events include the annual Antique Show, the July 4th Celebration, the Chowan County Fair, the Peanut Festival, the Old Timey Farmer’s Day, the annual Arts and Craft Show, and the Christmas Home Tour. With its rich sense of heritage and attractive options for housing, from historic to contemporary, Chowan County is one of the most unique and desirable of places to call home.

 

COMMUNITY PROFILES

Edenton

Town Offices
252-482-7352
www.townofedenton.com

Chamber of Commerce
800-775-0111
www.visitedenton.com

The centerpiece and hub of education, healthcare, business, and government for Chowan County, charming Edenton draws newcomers to a uniquely attractive hometown setting. The calendar of events throughout the four seasons ranges from outdoor adventures like sailing, paddling, biking, and baseball competitions to cultural enrichment in the form of art exhibits and live stage performances. Historic sites and tours include the rare Bill of Rights Tour. Whether the festival honors history or a holiday, every event is more enjoyable set against the backdrop of natural beauty and historic charm that marks the first Colonial Capital. Minutes from home in the Inner Banks region, residents enjoy a wealth of additional shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural amenities and attractions. The Outer Banks of North Carolina provide world-class ocean recreation and resort luxuries within an easy drive.