The Magic of UNC’s Old Well
Built in 1795 (and then rebuilt in 1897) and modeled after the iconic Temple of Love in Versailles, UNC's Old Well is a symbol of Tar Heel pride — past, present, and future. Although it currently houses a drinking fountain, it was originally a water well and was the only source of water at the University until 1897!
Jul 29, 2025
If you've ever toured the University of North Carolina (UNC) campus, you've likely seen the Old Well and been drawn in by its magical waters (or just stopped by for a drink!).
Built in 1795 (and then rebuilt in 1897) and modeled after the iconic Temple of Love in Versailles, UNC's Old Well is a symbol of Tar Heel pride — past, present, and future. Although it currently houses a drinking fountain, it was originally a water well and was the only source of water at the University until 1897!
But the Old Well is much more than just a beloved piece of Tar Heel history — it's also the source of a century-old legend. It is said that when a student takes a sip from the fountain, they are guaranteed straight As — or at the very least, a little extra good luck. Whether or not it actually works depends on who you ask! Magical or not, every semester hundreds of students line up to take their sip from the Old Well and mingle with their fellow Tar Heels.
