Established as a senior class project in 1844, the University Magazine was a monthly literary journal. The project was not successful and lasted only one year (twelve numbers). In late 1851, an effort was mounted to revive the periodical, and in February 1852, the first number appeared. The new University Magazine was characterized by articles of solid historical and biographical worth. However, due to the effects of the Civil War, it was discontinued in June 1861. Following the end of Reconstruction and the reopening of the university, an effort to resume publication ended in failure after several numbers in 1878. In 1882, with the aid of the university administration, the University Magazine resumed publication under the auspices of the Dialectic and Philanthropic societies with the supervision of a faculty advisor.
After two years under the name University Monthly, the title reverted to the original University Magazine . In 1895 publication was suspended by President Winston, who argued that the campus received little return for its monetary support. Two years later, the University Magazine resumed publication. In 1919 the publication was named The Magazine-UNC and, in 1920, the Carolina Magazine .
The financial condition of the publication during the 20th century varied widely due to fluctuations in subscription levels. In 1948 rising publication costs coupled with declining subscription and advertising revenues brought an end to the University Magazine . Also in 1948, the Carolina Quarterly began publication.
From the guide to the North Carolina University Magazine Records, 1859-1860; 1892-1895; 1897, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. University Archives.)
