Chapel Hill in Orange County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Silent Sam
who entered the War of 1861-65
in answer to the call of their
country and whose lives
taught the lesson of
their great commander that
duty is the sublimest word
in the English language.
Erected under the auspices
of the
North Carolina Division
of the United Daughters of
the Confederacy
aided by the alumni of
the University
Erected 1913 by The United Daughters of the Confederacy, North Carolina Divsion.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the United Daughters of the Confederacy series list.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 35° 54.832′ N, 79° 3.135′ W. Marker was in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in Orange County. Memorial could be reached from the intersection of East Franklin Street and Henderson Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Chapel Hill NC 27514, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. University of N.C. at Chapel Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Astronaut Training (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Strowd Building (about 500 feet away); Old Sawpit Site (about 600 feet away); Carolina Coffee Shop (about 600 feet away); Old East (about 800 feet away); University Florist (about 800 feet away); Kuralt Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chapel Hill.
Regarding Silent Sam. The monument's statue was toppled by a group of protesters and then removed on August 20, 2018.
The University says that “Silent Sam” was silent because he wears no cartridge box and so could not fire his rifle. Student forklore has it that Sam's rifle goes off whenever a virgin passes by, hence “Silent Sam.”
Also see . . .
1. Silent Sam. Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 13, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
2. Confederate Monument. UNC Graduate School. (Submitted on November 13, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 10 times this year. Last updated on May 11, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1. submitted on May 6, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 13, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6, 7. submitted on May 6, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 8, 9. submitted on May 7, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.