Main Street Edenton is more than a location—it’s a commitment to vibrant, sustainable growth in our historic downtown. Through dedicated programs and partnerships, we support entrepreneurs, provide resources for building owners, and cultivate a thriving community where everyone can connect, succeed, and feel at home.
Background
As North Carolina’s second oldest town, Edenton was one of the chief political, cultural, and commercial centers of the fledging nation, boasting a rich history dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The state’s first colonial capital, it was established in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1722. Once the second largest port in North Carolina, Edenton provided slaves with a means of escape via the Maritime Underground Railroad before Emancipation. Today, it features an extensive historic district with architectural styles spanning 250 years, such as the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark.
Main Street Edenton is an award-winning, non-profit downtown revitalization organization that utilizes The Main Street Approach to inspire place-making through building asset-based economic development strategies that achieve measurable results such as investment, business growth and jobs. Destination Downtown Edenton Inc (DDE) was founded in 2003. DDE is now doing business as Main Street Edenton and continues to provide support for local businesses, building owners, and new investors in our thriving downtown commercial district.
Things to do in Downtown Edenton
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Main Street Edenton is a recognized leading program among the national network of neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
Edenton is a North Carolina Main Street community, designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. Main Street Edenton is charged with administering the program at the local level and building public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation.