Tar Heel is a term for residents of North Carolina and UNC students, named after the state’s production of tar. It was once derogatory but now a source of pride. The name’s origin is unclear, but it may have come from General Cornwallis or Walt Whitman. UNC’s sports teams are called the Tar Heels and have a successful history.
Tar Heel is a term used to describe residents of the US state of North Carolina. It is also commonly used to refer to students and alumni of the University of North Carolina (UNC), as this is the school’s mascot. The name comes from North Carolina’s first imports of tar and turpentine, although it became popular primarily during the Civil War.
During the American Civil War, the term Tar Heel was understood as a derogatory term, though it makes sense to become a source of pride for North Carolina residents, just as Southerners in general proudly call themselves “Rebels” with their history. confederate. While it is not known precisely how the term came about, it derives from the fact that North Carolina was a major producer of tar for the United States Navy. Tar was used to seal the bottom of ships to prevent corrosion and to keep the wood from being eaten by worms.
One legend of how the name Tar Heel came about states that General Cornwallis and his men marched across what is now called the Tar River in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War, and came out with feet covered in black tar which the site was downloaded. This story has never been confirmed. Walt Whitman also reportedly referred to the inhabitants of North Carolina as “tar boilers,” offering another explanation for how the term may have been coined.
In modern times, the Tar Heel is generally used when discussing the University of North Carolina and associated sports teams. Their team name is the Tar Heels and their school colors are blue and white. The school also has its own newspaper titled The Daily Tar Heel.
The Carolina Tar Heels football and baseball teams are nationally recognized and have many accomplishments to their name. Merchandise and memorabilia can be found throughout the state and throughout the Southeast for fans to show their support for the team. UNC also has a rich academic history with many scholarships graduating from the school.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
