The Bingham Military School was the state of North Carolina's first military school, founded in 1826 by Capt. D. H. Bingham to provide more accessible training for military officers. The school opened its doors in January 1827, with Bingham as its superintendent and Capt. Patridge, who had served in the French Army, as its head instructor. The school relocated twice, first from Williamsborough to Littleton in 1829, and then later that year from Littleton to Oxford.