Cupola House in Edenton, NC - Early 18th Century Architectur

This vintage photograph captures the architectural elegance of the Cupola House, located in Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. Built in the early 18th century by Francis Corbin, an agent of the Lords Proprietors, this two-story frame structure features a gable roof and a distinctive cupola. The Cupola House is a significant example of early colonial architecture in the region, showcasing the craftsmanship and design principles of its time.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a collection that documents historical buildings across the southern United States. It includes details of the house’s interior, highlighting built-in furniture, paneling, cupboards, and unique doorways, which reflect the domestic life of the period. The photograph serves as an important historical record, providing insight into the architectural styles and living conditions of early American settlers.

Published in Thomas Tileston Waterman’s The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941, this image remains a valuable resource for historians, architects, and anyone interested in the rich architectural heritage of North Carolina.