Menu

230 years ago, UNC's first student walked to Chapel Hill from Pender County. Or did he?


What we do know is that on Feb. 12, 1795, an 18-year-old , the son of a settler from Wales, arrived at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and became the first student to enroll in the school. True, the semester had technically begun back on Jan. 15, but it didn't really matter because none of James' classmates had arrived yet. (Wilmington Star News)

Related:

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...

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...

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...

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...

230 years ago, UNC's first student walked to Chapel Hill from Pender County. Or did he?