UNC alumni to recreate early student's walk to Chapel Hill

Posted Jul 31, 2008

Three young UNC alumni plan to re-create one of the most famous treks in Tar Heel history this month - the walk that UNC's first student took to class. Nick Becketti, Bryan Jones and Whitney Reeds plan to duplicate the feat of Hinton James of New Hanover County, who arrived at Chapel Hill to enroll on Feb. 12, 1795. According to historian William D. Snyder, James made the entire trip, approximately 170 miles, on foot. (Wilmington Star News)

Related: Campus Connections

From a Dirt Road to a Destination: A History of Franklin Street
In Chapel Hill, Franklin Street has been the main thoroughfare for decades and a must-see destination. When residents welcome guests to town, they take them...
Fri Apr 24, 2026

Carolina is calling Eric Church home
Country music superstar Eric Church has traveled the world performing songs for millions of fans. Through it all, one thing kept him connected to North...
Thu Apr 23, 2026

UNC earns top national rankings for graduate education
Numerous UNC graduate programs received high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list, with 20 placing among the top 10...
Wed Apr 22, 2026

Savannah Bananas take on the Texas Tailgaters — and take over Chapel Hill
As early as Monday, April 6, a navy tractor trailer adorned with a bright yellow banana holding a bat screeched to a halt onto the...
Tue Apr 21, 2026