UNC Charlotte originally began as the Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina (CCUNC) in 1946, founded to serve the educational needs of veterans returning from World War II — one of a handful of similar institutions across the state. These were created in response to rising education demands generated by the war and its technology.

Basement Beginnings

Charlotte College originally opened in the basement of Charlotte’s Central High School, which is now part of Central Piedmont Community College on Elizabeth Avenue. It moved to its current location in University City in 1961.
 

Night Owls

However, the “49ers” moniker wasn’t officially adopted until 1961. During its early years, the school’s nickname was the Owls because the institution operated primarily at night — and even fielded a football team.

Read more: Before they were 49ers: Former Owls player excited for bowl game
 

The rapid evolution from a night school to a more traditional college prompted the student body to reevaluate the name — and the school colors. In 1961, following a student vote, the “49ers” nickname was officially adopted with light blue and white replacing maroon and gray as school colors.

And four years later, in 1965, Charlotte College became the University of North Carolina at Charlotte when it officially joined the UNC System as its fourth member; another student vote was held changing the school colors to green and white.

Serendipitous

There are a few lucky occurrences and coincidences related to the 49er nickname.

• In 1965, the N.C. Legislature voted 49-0 to formally transform Charlotte College into UNC Charlotte, with State Senator Irwin “Ike” Belk — an ardent supporter of the University — intentionally abstaining ensuring the final tally would be 49.
• The campus is fortuitously located on N.C. Highway 49, but not atop an abandoned gold mine as rumors have stated.

Deeper Dive

Explore the University's logos and visual identities over the years.