The principle products produced by early North Carolina were "tar, pitch, and turpentine." As the story goes, It was during one of the fiercest battles of the Civil War that the column supporting the North Carolina troops was driven from the field. After the battle, the North Carolinians who had successfully fought it out alone were greeted from the passing derelict regiment with the question: "Any more tar down in the Old North State, boys?" Quick as a flash came the answer: "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." Upon hearing of the incident, General Lee said: "God bless the “Tar Heel” boys," and from that they took the name.