St. Joseph's Industrial School

St. Joseph's Industrial School is a historic school complex in Clayton, Delaware, featuring three main buildings in Renaissance Revival style set across 5.5 acres with religious marble statues. The First State Military Academy currently operates from the principal buildings for its educational programs.

The school opened in 1896 as an educational facility for African-American young men during the segregation era and continued until its closure in 1972. The campus evolved from its initial 1896 chapel to a larger complex with additional structures built over the following decades.

The institution served as an important educational center for Black youth in Delaware, offering both classroom learning and hands-on trade skills. You can still see how the campus layout and its buildings reflect this legacy of vocational and academic opportunity.

The property operates as an active military academy, so access is limited and visitors should check ahead about visiting opportunities. The Renaissance Revival architecture and religious statues are visible from outside, though interior access depends on the academy's current operations.

The 1896 Italianate chapel is the oldest building on campus and shows the school's original architectural vision. A later administration building added in 1951 and a historic entry arch document how the institution expanded over several decades.

Location: Delaware

Inception: 1896

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.29360,-75.63690

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02