History:
The Old Well was built in 1795 to provide water to the campus. The original wooden structure over the well was replaced with the well-known neoclassic rotunda, which was inspired by the Temple of Love at Versailles Versailles, in 1897. The well was then torn down in 1954 and made sturdier with wooden pillars, marble bases and the copper dome.
A Symbol of the University:
Students line up on the first day of classes to drink from the Old Well in hopes of getting a 4.0 GPA, a tradition that originated in the 1980s. In full-circle fashion, these same students line up again at the end of the year for graduation and family photoshoots. Recently admitted students flock to the structure to take photos to send their friends and relatives. The Old Well is featured on merchandise and publications across the area, and most notably in the UNC-Chapel Hill logo. The well has become a symbol of pride across the campus and area, tying those affiliated with the university together across generations.
Renovation:
In 2019, UNC's Facilities Services closed the Old Well off with caution tape and barriers while working to strengthen the integrity. They repaired three columns with scaffolding and replaced some of the white pine with longer-lasting red mahogany. Renovations took almost three weeks, before the well was reopened just in time for spring and graduation photos.
Location:
The Old Well can be found on East Cameron Avenue between Old East and Old West Residence Halls, and across the street from the South Building. The Old Well can be accessed at all times.