🌤 Weather at James Iredell House by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42–79 °F | 68–89 °F | 44–82 °F | 34–56 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Edenton, 4 mi away, elevation 10 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Salmon Creek State Natural Area (within about an hour’s drive) and Pettigrew State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⚖️ Visit James Iredell House
Original Supreme Court Justice — dissent became the 11th Amendment!
Wildlife & Nature
James Iredell House SHS — preserves the home of James Iredell, appointed by George Washington as one of the original US Supreme Court Justices (1790). The historic house and grounds support songbirds in the gardens.
Nearby Attractions
Edenton — adjacent — site of the Edenton Tea Party (1774). Chowan Swamp SNA — nearby.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at James Iredell House
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Attended leash or other restraint no longer than 6 feet required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted at swim areas or in bathhouses
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are strictly prohibited from entering any building, including cabins; no pet-friendly cabin program
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Not all campgrounds allow pets (contact the park office first); pets must be confined to tent or vehicle during quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.); at Hammocks Beach visitors must arrange their own transportation for pets to Bear Island
Are dogs allowed at James Iredell House?
Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ncparks.gov. More: North Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
