James Iredell House
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Founding Father’s Home — Home of James Iredell, one of the first US Supreme Court Justices — appointed by George Washington in 1790
James Iredell House State Historic Site preserves the 1773 home of James Iredell — one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court, appointed by George Washington in 1790. Iredell was one of the most influential legal minds of the early Republic — his dissent in Chisholm v. Georgia (1793) was so persuasive that it led directly to the 11th Amendment to the Constitution. The elegant Georgian house in Edenton reflects the prosperity of colonial North Carolina’s most important port town. Edenton was home to “Edenton Tea Party” (1774) — one of the earliest recorded political actions by women in American history.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Edenton, NC |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Justice | Original SCOTUS — Washington appointed! |
| Impact | Dissent led to 11th Amendment! |
About James Iredell House
James Iredell House in Edenton preserves the home of one of the original justices of the United States Supreme Court — appointed by George Washington in 1790. Iredell, a British immigrant who championed American independence, was instrumental in North Carolina’s ratification of the Constitution. The house sits in Edenton’s historic district — one of the finest collections of colonial architecture in the South.
Things to Do
Touring the restored colonial home, learning about the founding of the Supreme Court, walking Edenton’s historic district (one of North Carolina’s most beautiful colonial towns), and visiting the nearby Cupola House and Chowan County Courthouse.
Insider Tips
Supreme Court justice: James Iredell was one of the first Supreme Court justices — appointed by George Washington in 1790. Pro tip: Iredell’s legal philosophy influenced judicial review before Marbury v. Madison. Edenton: The town of Edenton was an early colonial capital — the 1774 Edenton Tea Party was one of the first organized political actions by American women.
Best Time to Visit
Spring/fall: Comfortable touring weather. Summer: Full programming. Year-round: House tours. Winter: Mild coastal winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Edenton Tea Party?
On October 25, 1774, 51 women in Edenton signed a resolution boycotting British tea and cloth — one of the earliest organized political actions by American women. British newspapers mocked them, but the Edenton women demonstrated that political resistance included all colonists, not just men. The event is considered a precursor to women’s political activism in America.
⚖️ Visit James Iredell House
Original Supreme Court Justice — dissent became the 11th Amendment!
