Founded in 1882 by John Trotwood Moore, who became a famous author, archeologist, and poet laureate of the State of Tennessee, Moore Academy served the Pine Apple area in its original two-story wood frame building until the present brick structure was completed in 1923. The eclectic style of the later building was typical of early-20th-century educational facilities, with a T-shaped plan, central arched entrance, bracketed eaves, and decorative brickwork at each end of the facade. Moore Academy was widely acclaimed as one of the preeminent educational facilities in Alabama until its closing in 1989. The buildings and grounds were donated to the Moore Academy Alumni Association, Inc. in 1994, and restoration began in 1995.