June 1859: President James Buchanan visits the University of North Carolina

Posted Jun 27, 2020
Wednesday, the first of June 1859, was hot and dry in Chapel Hill The University’s annual commencement exercises had already been going on for two days, and the morning’s program was just winding up when a large party of visitors, tired and covered with dust, arrived from Raleigh. This party included James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States. (North Carolina Miscellany)

Related: Campus Connections

For Tift Merritt, Time and Patience Have Made the Difference
Tift Merritt never thought she’d end up back in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. For about 15 years she toured through America and Europe...
Sun Feb 15, 2026

Rich Eisen can’t bring himself to watch Stuart Scott ’30 for 30' yet
ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 documentary stays close to home, covering the life of Stuart Scott, an icon of the Worldwide Leader’s SportsCenter era. Rich...
Sun Feb 15, 2026

UNC business, nursing online programs rank among nation’s best
The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Program Rankings place online master’s programs from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and the UNC School of...
Sat Feb 14, 2026

Gift from UNC alums will fund 20 Carolina Covenant scholars
A transformational estate gift from Dwight Jacobs ’87 and Moira Jacobs ’87 will support future generations of Carolina Covenant scholars. “If we could help 20...
Mon Feb 9, 2026