Day Trip: History & Heritage
Historic Burke County Courthouse
Jailhouse Gallery, Morganton NC
Meander the historic districts of Morganton to sample the southern charm of 19th-century homes. Visit the History Museum of Burke County in downtown. Drop in next door at the public library's North Carolina room for more regional folklore and local legends.
Trace the footsteps of the Overmountain Men of 1780 on the Overmountain Victory Trail. The trail, USPS linear park, winds through the 1780 Community at Lake James and along Morganton's Catawba River Greenway.
Carriage Rides, Downtown Morganton
WWII Memorial, Morganton NC
Relive the 17th-century at the McDowell House on the outskirts of Morganton. Built in 1812, the home is open Sunday, 2-4 pm, April through October. Actors converge on the site September 30 annually to renact the Overmountain Victory march.
Trail of Faith, Valdese NC
McDowell House, Morganton NC
Discover your inner detective. Did Frankie Silvers murder her husband with an axe and burn his remains in the family fireplace?
Visit the Historic Burke County Courthouse to follow the "trial of the century" - 18th-century, that is. Delve into the political intrigue of the Watergate era at the Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr. Library and Museum. Located on the campus of WPCC. The legendary Senator Sam is also honored on the square in downtown Morganton.
