Chapel Hill in Orange County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old East
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023
1. Old East Marker
in the nation
Cornerstone laid by
William Richardson Davie
October 12, 1793
Third story 1822 • North addition, 1844
Designed by Alexander Jackson Davis
Old East,
University of North Carolina
has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value
in commemorating or illustrating
the history of the United States
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1966
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 1793.
Location. 35° 54.732′ N, 79° 3.04′ W. Marker is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in Orange County. Marker is on East Cameron Avenue, 0.1 miles west of Emerson Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill NC 27514, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Astronaut Training (approx. 0.2 miles away); University of N.C. at Chapel Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Strowd Building
this page online
Regarding Old East. Excerpts from the National Historic Landmark nomination:
The site chosen for the new university was New Hope Chapel Hill, named for the nearby Anglican New Hope Chapel. The cornerstone of the first building, now known as Old East, was laid in October, 1793, by William R. Davie, who had played a major role in the enactment of the legislation providing for establishment of the university. Designed by James Patterson and built by Samuel Hopkins, the building was dedicated in January, 1795. The first student, Hinton James, arrived four weeks later. James constituted the entire student body for another two weeks, but by the end of the first term enrollment had reached forty-one, with a faculty of two professors. …
When completed Old East was a simple brick building, two storieshigh and ten bays long with a gabled roof. During the 19th century the building was raised one story, lengthened five bays, and given Italianate detailing designed by noted architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Necessary repairs were made to the frame of the building in 1922-24 but its exterior lines were not altered. Now in good condition, Old East is still in active use as a freshman dormitory …Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 20232. Old East National Historic Landmark Marker
Also see . . .
1. Old East (PDF). National Historic Landmark nomination for the residence hall, which was designated in 1965. (National Archives) (Submitted on September 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Re-examining Old East. One such story is about an enslaved man named Dave whose strength may have physically and metaphorically set the University’s foundation. The story is but one about the enslaved children, women and men at the center of the economic prosperity of the University, its faculty and its students. (Scott Jared, The Well, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Oct. 13, 2020) (Submitted on September 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Additional keywords. Slave labor
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023
3. Old East Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 31, 2023
4. Old East (east elevation)
The building has been a residence hall since it was completed in 1795.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
