Menu

225 years of Tar Heels: Hinton James


First-year students living in Residence Hall are no strangers to long walks to campus. Neither was the namesake of that building, , who — legend has it — walked from his home in Wilmington, NC, to Chapel Hill in 1795 and became the first student to enroll. James arrived at UNC on Feb. 12, 1795, almost a month after the University opened its doors. (UNC.edu)

Related:

A guide to Chapel Hill's vibrant music scene
Some of my favorite memories at Chapel Hill have taken place in loud rooms lit by colorful stage lights. Listening to live music with friends...

The Delicious Legacy of Chapel Hill’s Favorite BLT
Perched just off Highway 15-501 in Chapel Hill, NC, the old-school breakfast and lunch joint Merritt’s Grill serves such comforting Southern classics as pulled pork...

UNC students gather to remember James Cates Jr. 55 years after his murder: 'A 22-year-old like us'
When students are walking to and from their classes every day, they can find a plaque located by the Pit and beside the Undergraduate Library...

Carolina Insider Podcast: UNC Football/Basketball talk, actress Sharon Lawrence joins, 2026 Poddys!
The 2026-27 UNC sports season is right around the corner. Jones Angell and Adam Lucas catch up on Tar Heel football and basketball chatter (6:31)...