November 3, 1835: UNC professor Elisha Mitchell announces discovery of highest peak in eastern U.S.

Posted Nov 3, 2019
On November 3, 1835, Elisha Mitchell, a professor at the University of North Carolina, announced that a peak in the Black Mountains of North Carolina was the highest in the eastern United States. The news aroused considerable interest. He estimated the mountain’s height at 6,672 feet, only twelve feet short of the present official height of 6,684 feet. (NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)

Related: Campus Connections

Pulled pork for pinstripes: How the Tar Heels and Hornets became the best-dressed teams in sports
"Having Dean Smith on the phone asking me for new Tar Heels uniforms was like having god asking for new hallows for the arch angles,"...
Fri Apr 11, 2025

DJ Nevy crafts the music behind UNC football and men's basketball
Nevy Ramadanovic's favorite part of UNC men's basketball games is when Associate Athletic Director Ken Cleary says three words. "Hot timeout, Nevy." It usually happens...
Wed Apr 9, 2025

UNC graduate programs ranked among best in nation
Numerous UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs received high rankings — 24 were among the top 10 in the nation in their respective categories — as part...
Wed Apr 9, 2025

Hoops for Hunger collects food and hygiene items for western North Carolina
The sound of basketballs and roar of excited players filled Woollen Gym on a chilly January afternoon as teams of University of North Carolina community...
Tue Apr 8, 2025