UNC celebrates the anniversary of its first student
By: Andrew Ryan Cosgrove, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/12/08 Section: University
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James arrived at UNC on Feb. 12, 1795, and legend goes that he walked from his home near Wilmington in New Hanover County - now Pender County - to Chapel Hill.
Because of this legend, the southernmost dormitory on campus was named in his honor.
Students who have walked from Hinton James Residence Hall to main campus said they feel the pain James felt in his feet each day.
"It is a pretty far walk, but the more you walk it the shorter it seems," said junior Christina Shupe, a former resident of Hinton James Residence Hall.
University archivist Janis Holder said there is no documentation proving or disproving James' trek across eastern North Carolina.
"Records do show that it was a very harsh winter and roads were impassible," Holder said.
Still, in honor of James, the General Alumni Association will hold events throughout the day.
Students can join the GAA in the Student Union breezeway for hot cider, apple pie and cookies, as well as drawings each hour for prizes. Other activities will include corn hole, horseshoes and pin the boots on Hinton James.
"Throughout the years the University has had celebrations about his arrival day, and it seems to get students interested in the history of the University," Holder said.
James arrived at UNC when there was only one campus building. That building was Old East.
Holder said that James probably stayed in Old East but that he also could have stayed with a professor.
James lived at UNC as the only student until two additional students arrived two weeks later.
University archives show that James was an exemplary student during his time at UNC. The faculty records mention James several times for his original compositions, which students were required to write at the time.
"It appears that he took a strong liking to the sciences and perhaps economics - and he excelled at both," Holder said.
His name also appears in the Roll of Honor, a list of honorable students who completed great work while at UNC, according to "History of the University of North Carolina," a book written by Kemp Battle.
According to the University's archives, James helped start the first club for students to come together and discuss prominent issues, which later became the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies.
"He seemed to be very involved in many different aspects of the University," Holder said.
After graduating from UNC, James became a civil engineer and continued to work near Wilmington, according to Battle's book.
"I think because we are the first public university, students know the history here, but it is nice to see that continue," Holder said.
Students said they share this sentiment. "I think there is a spirit about Carolina that is passed on with these historical stories that makes us appreciate this place even more," freshman Rachel Bahler said.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
georgiagirl
posted 2/12/08 @ 9:46 AM EST
Wasn't the University of Georgia the first public university?
Brandon
posted 2/12/08 @ 10:39 AM EST
John Daniel, hired by University Trustees, drew a map of the proposed University in 1792 on land donated by the Hogg family. William R Davies' bill for a state University was accepted and passed by the House of Commons in 1789. (Continued…)
MP
posted 2/12/08 @ 12:33 PM EST
Georgia was first chartered, UNC was first to open its doors, and as my aunt loves to remind me William and Mary is "the oldest" state university b/c the school itself was chartered in 1693, but didn't become public until the early 20th century. (Continued…)
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