If you’re planning a trip to Elizabeth City, you’ll want to schedule an activity by one of the town’s best assets, the Pasquotank River—with lunch or dinner at a downtown restaurant that allows a spectacular view of it or by grabbing a front row seat on a bench in one of its three adjacent parks. And located a short distance from the banks of the river is a hidden gem that’s steeped in American history. Tucked behind Museum of the Albemarle and within the gates of the Episcopal Cemetery (520 Ehringhaus St., entrance on Shepard St.) are the tombstones of Selby and Jonathan Harney. Brothers who served in the Revolutionary War as a colonel and lieutenant, respectively, the Harneys were originally from Delaware. Selby fought in the Philadelphia Campaign and the Siege of Charleston and post-war, served in the North Carolina legislature. He and his wife, Luranah, made their home in Camden County and he died in 1799. Jonathan enlisted in Colonel Haslet’s 1st Delaware Regiment which was also known as the Blue Hen’s Chickens. He was wounded in the Battle of Long Island and was captured and imprisoned by the British. After Jonathan was released by his captors, he was granted a leave of absence from the army by General George Washington. Due to permanent injuries he sustained, he was in poor health for the remainder of his life and died in 1784. Learn more about our history by reading our historic markers around the downtown area or visiting Museum of the Albemarle. For additional information about the Episcopal Cemetery, you can download the Elizabeth City Historic Walking Tour Main Street Commercial District brochure and look for location #57. To explore some of the fabulous restaurant options, enjoy our Downtown EC Eateries album on Facebook. Simone Cooper is a publicist and branding specialist who is also a mid-century modern fanatic. When she’s not assisting clients with messaging, you can find her hunting for furniture and housewares from the 1960s. Liza Franco captures the moments of life that will one day be someone’s memories and links for generations to come. Her work includes, lifestyle, commercial, fine art and portrait photography.
Hiding in Plain Sight in Elizabeth City: The Grave Sites of Revolutionary War Veterans Selby and Jonathan Harney If you’re planning a trip to Elizabeth City, you’ll want to schedule an activity by one of the town’s best assets, the Pasquotank River—with lunch or dinner at a downtown restaurant that allows a spectacular view of it or by grabbing a front row seat on a bench in one of its three adjacent parks.
