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AmandaD
Posts:20
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| 07/06/2007 1:41 PM |
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Most of the country hear's Tarheels and thinks of the University of North Carolina. As a graduate of NC State I am out to change this misguided perception. 
But seriously, at this point nobody is really sure where the term Tarheel orginated and there are many different theories. One popular theory for how the nickname originated is because the tar, pitch and turpentine that were harvested from North Carolina's forests played such a role in the state's early economic development. WeSpeakYankee's mission is to help Northerners who have scattered across the country and are now settling in North Carolina. We know from experience that transitioning to a new home and culture can be challenging. We believe that the best way to help our old friends acclimate quickly is to create a dynamic and welcoming community ready and waiting upon your arrival.
There is always more to learn. What do you think about Tarheels? I've heard some more exciting theories... |
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Charlie A
Posts:21
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| 07/06/2007 2:58 PM |
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| I've been here almost ten years, does that make me a Tar Heel? |
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careeder
Posts:2
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| 09/07/2008 5:59 AM |
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There are two explanations for the name Tar Heel. First of all I am sure you noticed that I have it as 2 words, Tar Heels. It is a common mistake to see it as one word, even in North Carolina. The correct way is Tar Heel. Now to the explanations.
We will start with some background information. In the days when ships were made of wood they had to be tarred and pitched to hold together. In those wooden ship building days North Carolina was the major source of tar and pitch for this industry. Pre-revolutionary colonies depended on the vast pine forest of eastern North Carolina for their pine tar. Naturally people working to gather this tar would get it on their bodies, feet included. But that is not exactly where the name Tar Heels originated.
The first story comes from the Revolutionary War. While the second story I will tell you has been validated through historical writings this one cosidered mostly legend. Legend has it that British troops under the command of General Cornwallis were moving through central North Carolina late in the year, probably late autumn. In an attempt to slow their progress local patriots poured hot tar into what is now called the Tar River to slow them down. How would this work? The Tar River to this day is very shallow at certain points and can be crossed on foot. Just before the British arrived the hot tar was poured into the river. The rapidly cooling tar become sticky thereby causing the wagon wheels, horse hoofs, and "heels" of the British soldiers to become stuck. They had, as it were, tar on their heels.
The second story is of historical fact and is well documented as the true origin of the name Tar Heels. During the Civil War in a paricularly rough battle General Stonewall Jackson's Southern army had taken on heavy casualties having to in several instances retreat. It was brought to his attention that while groups of soldiers from other states had retreated his North Carolina regimens had held their ground against overwhelming odds. Knowing of the tar and pitch industry in North Carolina his storied reply was, "God bless those Tar Heel boys." In other words they stuck to the ground as if they had tar on their heels! |
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