Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower
Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower is a historic landmark on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. The 14 bells are chimed every hour of the day, and they are named for two distinguished alumni. Dedicated to them on Thanksgiving Day in 1931, the tower is usually closed to the public. Each May, however, the university opens it up to the graduating seniors of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
While visiting the town, make sure to check out the morehead planetarium, which opened in 1949. The planetarium has an awe-inspiring full dome and a nighttime show called Carolina Skyes. There is even a program for kids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a performance of the musical “Carolina Suite” here. And don’t forget to take in the world’s largest ram statue!
Parking in Chapel Hill is not easy, but you can park on campus, although it can be expensive. Parking on campus is free on weekends, but after 5pm, parking is $1. After 5 PM, parking is limited, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. You can also stop by the Chapel Hill Planetarium to see shows on astronauts and space. It is well worth the money! The Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower is an iconic landmark in the city, so don’t miss the opportunity to catch a show at this exciting venue!
If you’re a student at UNC, you can visit the bell tower during the football season. The bells of the UNC Bell Tower chime every 15 minutes and are played in the University’s alma mater during games and celebrations. Usually, the bell tower is closed to the public, but the UNC General Alumni Association sponsors a climb. Seniors can walk up the steps of the bell tower and take in the beautiful view of campus. The bell tower is located in the heart of campus, so many UNC students pass by it on their way to class.
Founded in 1795, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest symbol of the university. The Board of Trustees approved the construction of the Old Well in 1795 for students. The present design was developed in 1897, and it was inspired by the Temple of Love in the Garden of Versailles. While the Old Well is a beautiful symbol of UNC, the Bell Tower is a great attraction for students and visitors alike.
In 1913, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill dedicated a statue of Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. This monument was built thanks to a fundraising campaign by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which also funded the project. The statue included a speech in defense of white supremacy and a digression celebrating violence against African Americans. In spite of its storied past, the Bell Tower continues to inspire students to study history.
