The Edenhouse Archaeological Preserve, located near the Chowan River, is the historic homesite of not only North Carolinas' first Governor, Charles Eden, but also the second, Gabriel Johnson. When Eden purchased the property in 1718, he began renovating an existing house, and developing plans for the manor house, which was completed roughly in 1720. Eden only lived in this house for ~3 years after its completion until his death. Two decades later, Eden’s stepdaughter, Penelope, married Gabriel Johnson, the second governor of North Carolina, and convinced him to move into the house.

The site contains the remains of one barn, two houses, and a protective stockade all dating from the 17th-18th centuries. Though most of the excavations took place on the adjacent property as part of a road-widening project in 1996, archaeologist Loretta Lautzenheiser was able to confirm deposits existed on the adjacent parcel through surface surveys and remote sensing. This research has helped create a big picture view of early North Carolinian governance, including elements of trade, economic growth, and its role in the rapidly expanding colonies. Preservation of these resources was made possible when William M. and Wanda H. Bell generously donated the property containing the site in 2003. Visit our website to learn more and become a member! buff.ly/43UsMqA Photo credit Coastal Carolina Research ... See MoreSee Less