November 3, 1835: UNC professor Elisha Mitchell announces discovery of highest peak in eastern U.S.

Posted Nov 3, 2019
On November 3, 1835, Elisha Mitchell, a professor at the University of North Carolina, announced that a peak in the Black Mountains of North Carolina was the highest in the eastern United States. The news aroused considerable interest. He estimated the mountain’s height at 6,672 feet, only twelve feet short of the present official height of 6,684 feet. (NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)

Related: Campus Connections

UNC Alumni Contribute $30.1 Billion to State’s Economy
In every corner of North Carolina, Tar Heels are leaving a large financial footprint. Alumni contributed a minimum of $30.1 billion in economic activity across...
Tue Jul 14, 2026

Al’s Burger Shack Hailed as ‘Best Cheeseburger in North Carolina’
The website Fast Food Club named Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill as the best cheeseburger in North Carolina in a new list, which sought...
Sat Jul 11, 2026

Sarah Fox, Trey Giddens Represent UNC At ACC Career Trek
Sarah Fox of the UNC rowing team and Trey Giddens of the football program were selected to take part in the three-day ACC Career Trek...
Fri Jul 10, 2026

Andy Griffith’s showbiz status endures
Few entertainers have stayed in the nation’s collective conscience like Andy Griffith. Griffith is best known for his warm and wise television portrayals of Sheriff...
Thu Jul 9, 2026