History - Burke County Tourism

History Museums / Heritage Sites Theatre

Benjamin F. Long Fresco

When Long was commissioned to decorate the ceiling in the atrium of the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium, he selected the nine muses because of their legendary role in inspiring all human endeavors in the arts and sciences.

401 S College St, Morganton, NC, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions Performing Arts Regional Attraction Theatre

From This Day Forward- Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre

One of the top outdoor dramas in North Carolina, this production is presented annually at the Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre – mid July through mid-August and tells the story of the Waldensians and their escape from religious persecution in Italy to how they founded the town of Valdese.

401 Church Street Nw, Valdese, NC, 28690

Hiking History Outdoor Attractions

Henry River Mill Village

From it’s days making cotton yarn to its more recent adaptation as District 12 in the Hunger Games films, the Henry River Mill Village offers visitors a step back into the last century and a peak into the rich heritage of western North Carolina mill towns.

4255 Henry River Rd, Hickory, NC, 28602

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

Historic Burke County Courthouse

Stepping into Burke County’s Historical courthouse is like stepping back in time. Listen intently and you can almost hear the shots fired by William Waightstill Avery, one of Burke Countys best-known lawyers, as he shot and killed Samuel Fleming in 1851.

102 E Union St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Boating Fishing History Outdoor Attractions

Lucy & Ethel Charters on Lake James

The Moses and Crawley families LOVE spending time on beautiful Lake James and would like to share our piece of heaven with you!

9066 Nc Highway 126, Nebo, NC, 28761

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

McDowell House at Quaker Meadows

The McDowell House at Quaker Meadows Plantation, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is believed to be the oldest surviving brick structure in Burke County.

119 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites

Morganton Railroad Depot & Museum

Restored to its 1916 appearance, The Depot Museum contains an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century railroad memorabilia, including a 100-piece collection of dining car tableware, a brass bell and a head lamp from the age of steam locomotives.

624 South Green St, Morganton, NC, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail commemorates the patriot unification, march and battles leading up to the Battle of Kings Mountain. Portions of the trail can be visited in any season. It includes sections of walk-able pathway, a Commemorative Motor Route, affiliated historic sites and museums, and wayside exhibits.

Morganton, NC

Galleries & Studios History Museums / Heritage Sites

Piedmont and Western Railroad Museum

Founded in July of 1988, the Piedmont & Western Model Railroad Club has combined the talents and passions of local railroad enthusiasts to create a fictitious rail line serving Western North Carolina. The HO scale railroad runs from Marion, NC to Leadvale, TN, carrying loads across the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Total trackage covers over 1,000 feet.

400 Main St W, Valdese, NC, 28690

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

Quaker Meadows Cemetery

The cemetery is the earliest identified site associated with white settlement in western North Carolina. The cemetery is locked and gated, but access can be obtained from the Historic Burke Foundation located inside the historic Burke County courthouse in downtown Morganton.

Morganton, NC

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions Regional Attraction

The Arrival

In honor of Valdese celebrating 125 years since their founding in 1893, the Valdese Public Arts Commission and the Town of Valdese have come together to create a commemorative art piece that will be located across from Valdese Town Hall on Massel Avenue. The art installation depicts the arrival of the original Waldensian settlers who came to Valdese on May 29th, 1893 as they departed the “No. 11” train at the Valdese Depot. The installation was created by the artists of Oak Hill Iron & Wood of Morganton and was designed by local artist Greg Mastin.

102 Massel Ave Sw, Valdese, NC, 28690

History Museums / Heritage Sites

The History Museum of Burke County

The History Museum of Burke County is a delightful surprise to anyone visiting the area. See how Lake James was built and other fascinating exhibits including hundred of model airplanes and a very unique Civil War Room. Admission is FREE.

201 W Meeting St, Morganton, NC, 28655