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
'Puppy Love': Dolly Parton's first recorded song, made at age 13, draws mourners to UNCFlags across the state are flying at half-staff as fans mourn country music icon Dolly Parton. At UNC, her very first recorded song, cut when...
Sun Sep 6, 2026Meet UNC’s Sarah Ferguson: A musician, model and the first paraplegic Marching Tar Heel
On early mornings, you might find University of North Carolina student Sarah Ferguson doing laps around campus, camera in hand, taking advantage of the quiet...
Sat Sep 5, 2026
New data shows UNC’s statewide impact
UNC has released new fiscal year 2025 economic impact data that shows the influence of North Carolina’s flagship university on the state through the categories...
Fri Sep 4, 2026
Best-selling author, UNC alum Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers speech at New Student Convocation
The class of 2030 and transfer students gathered for New Student Convocation, where bestselling author and UNC alumna Kristy Woodson Harvey delivered a keynote address,...
Thu Sep 3, 2026