Tar Heel

From Free net encyclopedia

Tar Heel is the nickname applied to the state and inhabitants of North Carolina, as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s athletic teams.

Legend has it that the nickname dates back to the American Civil War. Supposedly, during a battle in Virginia the North Carolinian troops held their ground while supporting troops retreated. After the battle, supporting troops asked the victorious North Carolinians: "Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?" and they replied: "No, not a bit; old Jeff's bought it all up." The supporting troops continued: "Is that so? What is he going to do with it?" The North Carolinian troops' response: "He is going to put it on you'ns heels to make you stick better in the next fight." [1]