Central Children's Home of North Carolina

Central Children's Home of North Carolina is a multi-building campus in Oxford featuring a main structure with Italianate architectural elements and a distinctive tower. The property includes residential buildings and supporting structures arranged across the grounds to accommodate multiple residents.

Established in 1883 as the Grant Colored Asylum with Congressional funding, the facility received additional support from Congressman Henry P. Cheatham to serve children in the region. The institution evolved over time to become a major caregiving center in the area.

The home has served as a refuge for vulnerable children in the region for generations, shaping the lives of countless young people who found care here. Visitors can see how the campus layout reflects the structured community that once thrived within its grounds.

The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a destination for those interested in local history and architecture. A state historical marker on the property provides context for understanding the building's role in the community.

The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, formally recognizing its architectural and social value to the region. The Robert L. Shepard Scholarship Fund established in 1943 demonstrated the institution's commitment to educational advancement for its residents.

Location: Oxford

GPS coordinates: 36.29310,-78.57250

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45