Boyette Slave and Schoolhouse

The Boyette Slave and Schoolhouse was built in the 1830s on the Boyette Family Farm in Northern Johnston County which dates back to colonial North Carolina circa 1797. This 12 x 16 one-room log dwelling was built for the Boyette’s slaves and was made from pine timber from the farm with full-dovetailed notches and dowels. The unique chimney is made entirely of heart-of-pine sticks and daubed with clay base mortar and is the only structures of its kind still standing in NC.

In 1890-1910 the building was used as a neighborhood school. In 1979, the building was restored by the Boyette Family and was placed on the national Register of Historical Places. The Boyette Slave House is a rare example of a type of structure and construction method which originated in medieval building traditions and since the end of slavery has nearly disappeared from the architectural history of NC.