Historic Burke County Courthouse

Categories	History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions
Phone	828-437-4104
Website	https://www.historicburke.org/historic-court…Visit Website
Town	Morganton
Address	102 E Union St, Morganton, NC 28655
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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. Or perhaps it is the distinctive voice of Sam Ervin Jr. as he grills witnesses during a regular court session that you imagine. Today the Historic Burke County Courthouse is home to Historic Burke Foundation and the Visitor Information Center. The North Carolina Supreme Court met at the courthouse from 1847 until 1861. Architect Frank P. Milburn remodeled the courthouse in 1903, which gave it a Neoclassical appearance. The structure includes Doric porticos and a Baroque cupola. The courthouse is the oldest in Western North Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Morganton’s native son Sam Ervin Jr. was the Chairman of the Watergate Committee who ultimately exposed corruption in the Nixon White House.

More Attractions in Morganton

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Wineries

Catawba Valley Wine Trail

The Catawba Valley Wine Trail features 5 wineries - all located within minutes of Interstate 40 between Exit 90 and Exit 112. We are located only 45 minutes east of Asheville, NC and 45 minutes west of Statesville, NC.

Morganton, NC

Casual Dining Outdoor Attractions

Apple Hill Orchard

Nestled in South Mountains of Western North Carolina, Apple Hill Orchard is conveniently located only 4 miles from I -40, just south of Morganton, NC.

2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC, 28655

Casual Dining Golf Outdoor Attractions

Mimosa Hills Golf & Country Club

Created in 1929 by famed golf course architect Donald Ross, the course takes advantage of Morganton’s natural beauty, which includes a captivating view of the Blue Ridge Mountain skyline.

611 Golf Course Rd, Morganton, NC, 28655

Canoeing & Kayaking Cycling Disc Golf Gold Panning Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests

Catawba River Greenway

Catawba River Greenway Park features 3.8 miles of paved walking trail following the river through wooded and open areas. Along the trail are picnic shelters and open tables, accessible restrooms, a playground, fishing piers, canoe launches, a gazebo, multi-level observation decks, and pedestrian bridges which cross the river and its tributaries.

128 Greenlee Ford Road, Morganton, NC, 28655

Specialty Retailers

Morganton General Store

Downtown Morganton's newest shopping experience. This store is fully stocked with great gift ideas and tasty treats just like the general stores of yesteryear.

116 W. Union St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Specialty Retailers

Adventure Bound Books

On the shelves you'll find new and used books - Indie Next List favorites, new releases, best sellers, classics, fiction, fantasy, science fiction, romance, young adult books, books on nature and outdoor themes, religious, spiritual, and philosophy books, and an entire children's area. You can also find book-related gifts and educational items - book-themed shirts, hats, and socks, funny and snarky candles, literary themed tea, baby gifts, tote bags, and book lights, as well as art and plush toys made by local artists.

117 West Union St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Outdoor Attractions Regional Attraction Specialty Retailers

Apple Picking at Apple Hill Orchard

Nestled in the South Mountains of Western North Carolina, Apple Hill Orchard is conveniently located just south of Morganton, NC. Our family has been growing apples in this location since 1955, and the orchard its self dates to 1930! While the orchard has dramatically changed since then, one thing remains the same: we love welcoming visitors each fall and seeing customers return year after year to join the harvest.

2075 Pleasant Hill Ave., Morganton, NC, 28655

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