What is a Tar Heel?

North Carolina, nicknamed the “Old North State,” produced tar, pitch and turpentine in its early history. During one of the fiercest battles of the War Between the States, a column supporting the North Carolina troops was driven from the field. The North Carolinians, who fought it alone, were greeted from the passing derelict regiment with the question: “Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?” They answered: “No, not a bit, old Jeff’s bought it all up.” “Is that so; what is he going to do with it?” was asked. “He’s going to put on you-un’s heels to make you stick better in the next fight.” General Lee, upon hearing of the incident said, “God bless the Tar Heel boys,” and from that they took the name.