Franklin Street History

Franklin Street can be considered the heart of Chapel Hill.  It sits as the north border to the University of North Carolina and serves as the center of social life and commerce for the town and the University.  The three mile stretch is the home to various types of businesses including clothing, home furnishings, restaurants, bars, and Tar Heel souvenir shops.

Some historical businesses on Franklin Street include Sutton’s Drugstore and TheRamshead Rathskeller, recently shut down in 2008.  Colonial Drugstore, located on west Franklin Street, was actually the site of the famous 1960 sit-in, thrusting Chapel Hill into the national debate on civil rights.  This sit-in actually prompted a visit to UNC by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Franklin Street is the home to some infamous celebration including Tar Heel victory celebrations and Halloween.  Tens of thousands of people have historically gathered in Chapel Hill for these events. 

The town of Chapel Hill was actually created in the 18^th century as a result of the formation of the University.  The town-and-gown relationship has been one of great importance in guiding town and University policy.

Some recent issues that have come about in recent years for the town of Chapel Hill include pan-handleing and homelessness.  The Dowtown Parntership, a town-and- gown partnership to foster positive economic growth for the town, has recently begun a “From spare change to real change campaign.”