The Myth of the Wilson Library Dunce Cap

Posted Nov 26, 2019
Have you heard the story that the Bell Tower was intentionally placed right behind Wilson Library so that, when viewed from South Building, the top of the tower looks like a dunce cap on the round dome of the library? The dunce cap story has been one of the enduring campus legends for decades. The story originally told was that John Motley Morehead. (UNC.edu)

Related: Campus Connections

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

Mediterranean Deli reopens on Franklin Street two years after fire: 'A gathering place'
Mediterranean Deli, a restaurant on 410 W. Franklin St., officially reopened Tuesday night after it closed following a roof fire in July 2023. Shortly after...
Tue Sep 16, 2025

Tyler Hansbrough, Marvin Williams, Other UNC Alumni Buy Professional Pickleball Franchise
Palm Beach will make history as the Palm Beach Royals become the city's first major pro sports franchise, joining Major League Pickleball as its 23rd...
Thu Sep 11, 2025

Tar Heels Take Part In Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Hundreds of Tar Heels participated in the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by the UNC AROTC in Kenan Stadium on Thursday morning. Participants climbed...
Thu Sep 11, 2025