Page 23 - Burke County NC

Burke County’s

Bootstraps

Our county’s slogan is Nature’s Playground.
Two North Carolina state parks, Lake James and the South Mountains, both provide a sublime setting
for outdoor recreation. Perhaps you’re familiar that prominent scenes in several mountain-esque
dramas were filmed here, such as Last of the Mohicans (1992) and The Hunger Games (2012).

urke County was established in 1777 and Burke County grew rapidly in the 19th century as settlers Valdese P&W
named for Thomas Burke, a North Carolina from the north traveled the Great Wagon Road, and Railroad Museum
delegate to the Continental Congress. The later the Southern Railroad, to seek their fortunes.
Bcounty encompassed much of western North Stagecoach lines ran through Morganton starting in the
Carolina. As the population grew, additional counties 1830s, and the town was incorporated in 1839.
were established, shaping Burke County to its present Furniture, Table Rock Furniture, Knob Creek Furniture,
size of 515 square miles. The eastern part of the county became home to and Wright Table also prospered.
religious refugees – the Waldensians – who fled
A frontier settlement originally known as Alder Springs their homeland in the Cottian Alps in Italy to escape We continue to excel in manufacturing and with a focus
was the county seat for Burke. A state bill renamed persecution, founding the town of Valdese in 1893. on new industries, such as healthcare, metal working,
Alder Springs Morgansborough in honor of Capt. Daniel food and beverage, and logistics – with several
Morgan, a Revolutionary War hero whose regiment In the early 1900s, Burke County became renowned for overseas companies headquartered here. Revitalized
won the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina in 1781. furniture production due to the diversity of tree species, downtowns with beautiful murals and sculptures, new
It was later shortened to Morganton – and it’s still the giving rise to renowned crafters such as Drexel-Heritage storefronts, and many other entrepreneurial businesses
county seat. and Henredon. Smaller companies like Morganton help to make Burke County a cherished destination.

burkecountychamber.org Burke County's History 19