Albania
Why it's listed
Albania is a Greek Revival house on the edge of Edenton, North Carolina, within view of Pembroke Creek. Probably built in 1857, it is an L-shaped weatherboarded frame building on a brick foundation, with a two-and-one-half-story main block and a lower rear wing. Its east facade is dominated by a full-length two-tiered porch with enclosed ends, a feature common in Charleston but unusual around Edenton. The main entrance, with sidelights, a geometric transom and reeded pilasters, resembles designs published by Asher Benjamin. Inside, a transverse arch in the center hall and tripartite Greek Revival mantels continue the style. The property is also remembered for Dr. Edward Warren, who lived here from his marriage in 1857 until 1860. He later served as surgeon-general of North Carolina during the Civil War, became chief surgeon on the Egyptian general staff, and died in Paris in 1895. The house later passed to a lumber company and then to the Brown family.
Significance in brief: The house is an imposing example of Greek Revival design with a coastal double porch with enclosed ends, and its entrances appear inspired by the publications of Asher Benjamin. It is also tied to Dr. Edward Warren, a colorful physician who served as surgeon-general of North Carolina during the Civil War and later practiced in Egypt and Paris.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 76001313, listed May 13, 1976. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | U.S. 17 W of jct. with NC 32, Edenton |
|---|---|
| County | Chowan County |
| Listed | May 13, 1976 |
| Reference number | 76001313 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Areas of significance | Health/Medicine, Literature, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition is listed as good and altered; the house is occupied as a private residence. Additions include a small pedimented porch and a large two-story north wing. |
| Acreage | 4 |
| Coordinates | 36.06047, -76.61850 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 76001313.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q18350825
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.