Jarvisburg Colored School

Jarvisburg Colored School is a two-story building constructed from cypress wood with a gable roof and a pyramidal bell tower topped by a wooden spire. The structure contains multiple classrooms arranged to accommodate students of different ages in a single facility.

The school was founded in 1868 on land donated by William Hunt Sr. and expanded during the 1890s to better serve the growing student population. It reached its current form by 1911 when construction was completed.

The school served as a gathering place where African American families could educate their children despite the barriers they faced. It remains a symbol of resilience and the commitment to learning within the community during a time of strict legal separation.

The building is open to the public for self-guided exploration of its restored interior spaces. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the original wooden features and classroom layouts.

Inside is a preserved classroom that housed multiple grade levels in one room, with original wooden desks and teaching materials still in place. This arrangement reveals how teachers managed instruction for children of vastly different ages during the segregation era.

Location: Currituck County

Address: 7301 NC 158

GPS coordinates: 36.18640,-75.86500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:27