Abstract:
Chowan is the smallest county in the state, but at the same time is filled with more history than any other county in North Carolina. Edenton, the county seat, has adopted the slogan, \"Cradle of the Colony.\" Among its famous citizens were Governor Charles Eden, Joseph Hewes, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Penelope Barker, leader of the Edenton Tea Party, and James Iredell Sr. and Jr. The county also has a number of historic buildings, including the famous Cupola House, Hayes, the home of Governor Samuel Johnston, and St. Paul's Church, the second oldest church building in North Carolina.