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

UNC Football's Trip to Ireland 'Much More Than a Game'
UNC Football kicks off its season in Dublin, Ireland, playing Texas Christian University on Aug. 29 in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. But the...
Wed Aug 19, 2026

‘Witness’ Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary War
To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, Wilson Library is hosting a new exhibition. “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” explores how...
Wed Aug 19, 2026

UNC students take first-day sips at the Old Well
It’s the first day of classes at Carolina, and as Tar Heels know, that means it’s also time to drink from the Old Well for...
Mon Aug 17, 2026

Nonprofit at UNC pairs those with chronic illnesses with a service dog
UNC’s chapter of Lux’s Purpose was founded this year. Service dogs cost as much as $50,000-$70,000, and there is not a single insurance plan that...
Sun Aug 16, 2026