Carthage

Carthage

… is the oldest town in Moore County, NC. It was incorporated in 1796 and served as the county seat. Activities in Carthage have always revolved around the courthouse and still do today with the fifth and current courthouse still in use since 1922. The town itself was not laid out until 1803. The National Historic District of Carthage is proud of its more than 50 buildings and residences of historical significance dating back to the pre-Civil War period.

From 1850’s to 1920’s, the town’s growth was due to its successful buggy industry. Alexander Kelly and Thomas Tyson founded the Tyson Jones Buggy Factory in 1855. This major industry remained the largest factory in Moore County into the 20th century producing the “Cadillac” of horse drawn carriages. At its peak in 1890, the factory turned out approximately 3000 vehicles per year. The horse drawn buggy brought prosperity to Carthage, but the automobile spelled doom for the buggy industry.

However, the annual Carthage Buggy Festival → in May honors the town’s heritage of carriage makers and is a great family-friendly event.