Carthage Digital Mural Trail
Carthage Digital Mural Trail
Explore the town of Carthage in a whole new way with the Carthage Digital Mural Trail! This self-guided walking tour connects five downtown murals, each featuring a scannable bronze-plated QR code that unlocks a short video about the artwork’s story, history, and the people it honors.
Renowned muralist Scott Nurkin painted four murals and the newest addition comes from artist Dan Dreyer. Together, they highlight the unique heritage, culture, and memorable figures of Carthage, NC.
It’s a creative and inspiring way to experience the town, one mural at a time!
Accessibility:
You can explore the trail by parking nearby and taking a short, 10-minute walk through downtown Carthage to see all the digital murals. The area is paved with plenty of parking available, including designated handicap spots. Please note that a few sidewalks may be uneven.
Landmarks and Legacies
Artist: Daniel Dreyer & Jordan Dreyer
Carthage has been shaped by the remarkable people who call it home. In this Landmarks and Legacies mural, we’re proud to highlight some of their stories, including that of Fry and Prickett Funeral Home, the longest continuously operating business in Carthage. With a tradition of service that spans generations, Fry and Prickett remains deeply “committed to the families in our community.” Learn more about their legacy here.
Carthage Water Tanks
Artist: Scott Nurkin
The Water Tanks mural on the side of the Kramer Building honors a beloved piece of Carthage history. Built in 1913 and 1920, the town’s water tanks were more than infrastructure – they were daily landmarks. Each weekday at noon, a siren from the elevated tank signaled lunchtime and served as a fire alarm, heard for miles. Though removed in 2018, their legacy, and the historic buggy logo, lives on through this mural.
When Tobacco Was King
Artist: Scott Nurkin
Tobacco was a driving force in North Carolina’s growth during the 1900s, and Carthage was at its heart. Surrounded by farms, the town thrived thanks to growers whose hard work supported both their families and the local economy. Each fall, harvests were sold at lively auctions in the Victory and McConnell warehouses. As you view the mural, see if you can spot the hidden objects: a knife, smiley face, star, key, sun, rabbit, and shark!
Tyson & Jones Buggy Co.
Artist: Scott Nurkin
From 1850 to 1929, Carthage was home to the Tyson & Jones Buggy Company, the South’s largest carriage manufacturer. At its peak in 1890, the factory produced 3,000 buggies and employed over 100 workers. Though the company closed in 1925 with the rise of the automobile, its legacy lives on through the annual Carthage Buggy Festival, held each May.
As you enjoy the mural, look for hidden objects: a buggy, key, clock, bird, and skull & crossbones!
Flying for France
Artist: Scott Nurkin
James Rogers McConnell, who lived in Carthage for two years, was a fearless adventurer. Before the U.S. entered World War I, he volunteered to fly for France with the Lafayette Escadrille, saying, “These Sand Hills will be here forever, but the war won’t; and so I’m going.” McConnell died in aerial combat at age 30 and is buried in France near Flavy-le-Martel. His heroism is honored with monuments at McConnell-Gilliam Airport and the Moore County Courthouse. In 2018, Carthage became a sister city to Flavy-le-Martel in his memory.
While viewing the mural, see if you can spot the hidden objects: a key, buggy, Elvis, snake, and cross!