Photograph ca. 1880s of Dayton Academy, or Dayton Industrial School, a late 19th century private school for African American children in Carthage, Moore County, NC. .

From S.A.L. Magundi newspaper, 1897, Feb. issue.
Source: From PC.1761. Newspapers Series. From Alexander H. McNeill Papers.
.
Dayton Academy (sometimes referred to as the Dayton Industrial School) in Carthage, North Carolina, was founded in the late 19th century and stands as Moore County's first historical school for African American students. It was a prominent private industrial boarding school for African American students. Founded and led in it's early years by Reverend H. D. Wood next to John Hall Chapel, the school provided critical academic, mechanical, and industrial training. The institution served a vital role in providing primary and vocational education during the post-Reconstruction era.