EDENTON, a city of north-eastern North Carolina, U.S.A., on an inlet of Albemarle sound, near the mouth of the Chowan river; the county seat of Chowan county. It is served by the Norfolk Southern railroad, river' transportation and ferries. The railroad bridge across Albemarle sound is 4.8m. long. The popula tion was 2,777 in 192o; in Shad and herring fisheries are an important industry, and there is a U.S. Fish Hatchery near by. The city is a large peanut and watermelon market. Edenton has some fine old homesteads and many historical associations. It was settled about 1658, and through the i8th century was a place of considerable social and political importance. The legislative assembly met here occasionally, and here lived the royal governors and various prominent citizens of the province, including Joseph Hewes, James Iredell, father and son, and Samuel Johnston. St. Paul's church was built in 1736; the court-house in 1767. In a house facing the court-house the "Edenton Tea Party" was held on Oct. by ladies, who signed resolutions that they would refrain from using tea or anything manufactured in England until the tax on tea should be repealed. On May 5, 1864, a naval engagement was fought near Edenton between the Con federate ram "Albemarle" and the Union "Sassacus," a wooden side-wheeler, resulting in favour of the Confederate ironclad.