North Carolina Polytechnic Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Commandant's House
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Commandant's House, March 2007
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Barracks Rd., Hillsborough, North Carolina |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | c. 1860 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Gothic Revival Castellated |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000981 |
| Added to NRHP | November 9, 1972 |
The North Carolina Polytechnic Academy was once a school in Hillsborough, North Carolina. It was first known as the Hillsborough Military Academy. It was also called the North Carolina Military Academy at different times.
Col. Charles C. Tew CSA started the Hillsborough Military Academy. He was a brave soldier who died in 1862 during the Battle of Antietam. This happened just before he was going to be promoted to brigadier general.
The buildings for the academy were designed by an architect named John A. Kay. He designed the barracks (where soldiers or students live) and the commandant's house. A doctor named Edmund Strudwick worked at the academy in the 1860s. He helped care for soldiers who were hurt during the Civil War at his home nearby.
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The Commandant's House
The commandant's house is a two-story brick building. It is shaped like a square. The house is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style often looks like old castles.
Design and Features
The house has three sections across and three sections deep. It also has tall, rectangular towers at each corner. These towers make it look like a small castle. This style is sometimes called "Gothic Revival Castellated."
The Academy After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, different leaders ran the school. First, Colonel White was in charge. Then, General Raleigh E. Colston took over.
Changes to the School
In 1867, the school's lessons were updated. They started to include regular subjects, not just military training. The state government of North Carolina changed the school's name. It became the North Carolina Military and Polytechnic Academy.
They also started a special program. Eight students could attend the school for free. In return, they had to teach in the state for two years after graduating. However, this version of the Military Academy did not last long. General Colston moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1868.
Later Attempts and New Schools
In 1872, a person named Paul C. Cameron bought the academy buildings. He tried to start a new school there.
New Schools and Their Challenges
In 1874, Paul Cameron convinced two important school leaders to move their schools. James H. Horner from the Horner School and Ralph H. Graves from the Graves School moved their students to the old academy buildings. Their new school also faced problems. It closed just two years later. This was because Mr. Horner became sick and Mr. Graves passed away.
What Happened to the Buildings?
The Cameron family sold the property in 1895 to a group called the Farmers’ Alliance. Later, in 1919, it was sold to a developer.
The Buildings Today
The old barracks and other smaller buildings were taken apart. Their bricks were used to build other structures. The main headquarters building became a special historical site in 1972. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is a private home known as the "Commandant’s House." The academy's chapel is still used as a church today. It is a parish of The United Episcopal Church of North America.
