We diverted to Edenton on a Sunday afternoon to make a break during a long drive and are glad we did so. Although most of the shops were closed the Barker House was open and this was a small but interesting look at life as lived by a fairly wealthy woman – her first husband died when she was 19, her second when she was 26 and both left her considerable money and property. Her third husband (Thomas Barker) lived longer but also died before her leaving her a considerable amount of land and property including this house which they built together in 1782. It was extended several times until 1840. In 1952 it was moved to its current site closer to the water. The top floor of the house is currently a museum housing lighthouse artefacts which will be moved to the lighthouse when its restoration is finished.
A couple of minutes walk from the Barker House is the Lighthouse which was moved to its current position on the river in Edenton Colonial Park in 2007 – it was originally built in1886. This is a very attractive site and, as far as we can see, restoration is nearly complete.
It is very pleasant strolling by the river and reading about the history of the area on the plaques. There are also a couple of cannon close to the Barker House which are being restored. I would recommend a diversion to Edenton if you are in the area and I am sure there is more to see if you choose a time when the shops and historic buildings are open.
