Lea Laboratory

The Lea Laboratory is a two-story brick structure with a central section and three bays, flanked by single-story brick wings on both sides. The Colonial Revival design shows careful planning for hands-on science work and student training.

The building was designed in 1888 by Baltimore architect John Appleton Wilson and marked the creation of one of the first chemistry research facilities at Southern universities. It was a significant step in establishing scientific education in the American South.

The building shows how much Southern universities valued scientific research and modern methods in the late 1800s through its thoughtful design. Visitors can observe how the spaces were specifically arranged to support hands-on laboratory work.

The building sits in a quiet campus area and is easy to view from outside, though interior access may be limited. It works best to visit early in the morning or on weekends when the campus is less busy.

The building is the oldest surviving structure from the original campus and was later reused by a theological seminary. This shift in purpose reflects how Southern institutions reorganized themselves after the Civil War.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1888

Architectural style: Colonial Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 35.98111,-78.51167

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:10