“Visions of Tomorrow With Computers of Today”: UNC’s First Computer in 1959

Posted Dec 16, 2015
UNC decided to acquire a UNIVAC 1105 from the Sperry-Rand Corporation in 1959 due to a 50% educational discount and being able to own the machine outright versus renting one from IBM. The computer weighed 19 tons and had an estimated value of $2.4 million, which, adjusting for inflation, would today be over $20 million. The Phillips Hall Annex was chosen to house the computer. (UNC.edu)

Related: Campus Connections

UNC chemists create cleaner future for tires
Researchers at Carolina have introduced a novel chemical method for breaking down rubber waste. The journal Nature recently published the results of the U.S. Department...
Sun Sep 21, 2025

The history of neighboring towns Chapel Hill and Carrboro
Chapel Hill was founded with the purpose of serving the University. Originally organized by UNC's Board of Trustees, residents first arrived in 1795 — the...
Sat Sep 20, 2025

Looking back at the history of dining at UNC
Lenoir Dining Hall served its first meal on Jan. 2, 1940. The Chapel Hill Weekly covered its opening, describing the colonial-style brick building with three...
Thu Sep 18, 2025

A local treasure turns 40: Light Years celebrates four decades in Chapel Hill
In 1985, Light Years Jewelry first opened its doors to the Chapel Hill public, offering earrings, rings, trinkets and more. The shop is still there...
Wed Sep 17, 2025