Historical Significance

The James Iredell House is a historic home located in Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. The original section of the house was built in 1800, and it was expanded to its present configuration around 1827. The house is now a historic house museum and belongs to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesIn 1790, President George Washington was searching for ideal candidates to be nominated to the first U.S. Supreme Court. Among others, he chose a 38-year-old Edentonian by the name of James Iredell, Sr. Two days later, February 12th, the Senate confirmed Iredell who became the youngest member of the original Supreme Court. Iredell is said to have worked closely with President George Washington and John Adams in establishing early standards of U.S. law.

 

Marker Details

Marker Date: September 28, 1995

Dedicated by: Edenton Tea Party Chapter, NSDAR

Marker Text: James Iredell (1751-1799). Attorney General of NC. 1779 to 1781. Fought for NC's ratification of the US Constitution. Nominated Associate Justice of the first US Supreme Court Feb. 8, 1790 By Pres. George Washington, confirmed by the US S enate Feb. 10, 1790 and served until his death Oct. 20, 1799. 

At its first meeting on April 20, 1948 the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, NSDAR voted to acquire and restore the Iredell House.  13 members signed a bank note for $2,250 purchasing the house and saving it from destriction. On June 14, 1951, the DAR transferred the house to the State of NC. It is at present a State Historic Site administered by the NC Dept. Cultural Resources. 

Dedicated Sept. 28, 1995 to the charter members of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, NSDAR.