Founded in 1868 in Hampton, Virginia, it was initially established to educate newly freed African Americans in the aftermath of the Civil War. Its focus was on industrial education and teacher training, aiming to equip students with practical skills for self-sufficiency and to become educators in their communities. It played a significant role in the development of Black education and leadership in the United States. The school's philosophy, initially championed by General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, emphasized self-help, moral character, and practical skills.
There are other schools named Hampton School, but without more context, the Hampton Institute/University is the most likely referent.