Topics Related to Burke County
Originated here in 1903. Global leader among N.C. furniture makers. It was a model for marketing and local production.
Imagine being within a half hour or so of some of North Carolina's top adventure destinations. That place is Morganton, where a short drive takes you to a state park, multiple state trails, a wilderness area and Linville Gorge, often called “the Grand Canyon of the East.” You'll find a range of hiking, mountain biking, cycling, paddling, fishing and more. Plan to spend a day, at least, at each location.
Lake James State Park
Adventure options: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddling, swimming
Drive from Morganton: 25 minutes
U.S. Senator, 1954-1974; led Senate Watergate Committee, 1973-1974; judge. His law office was one block west.
Built by Juan Pardo in 1567 at native town of Joara. Served as Spanish outpost until razed by Indians, 1568. NE 4 mi.
Opened 1894 under superintendent Edward McKee Goodwin. Main building designed by A. G. Bauer.
State facility for care of mentally ill; opened 1883. Named in 1959 for J. Melville Broughton, governor, 1941-1945.
Built of local cut stone, ca. 1835, by James Binnie. August terms of State Supreme Court held here, 1847-61. Raided by Union force 1865. Remodeled 1901.
Evolved from private school opened c. 1853 by R. L. Abernethy. Operated 1900-1933 by Methodist Church. Closed 1935. The original site 1.3 mi. N.
First attorney general of North Carolina, 1777-79, member provincial congresses, colonel in Revolution. "Swan Ponds," his home, was 3 mi. S.W.
French botanist, pioneer in studying flora of western North Carolina. Spent nights of Sept. 8, 1794, and May 2, 1795, at "Swan Ponds," 3 mi. S.W.