Tips on Activities and Attractions

Morganton

Morganton NC was founded in 1777 after the formation of Burke County in the same year. Burke County was named after Dr. Thomas Burke (1747-1783), a member of the Continental Congress and Governor of North Carolina.

Morganton was initially called Morganborough and is the county seat of Burke County. Morganton was named after Daniel Morgan (1736-1802), who is considered one of the best battlefield tacticians during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

Due to its colder summer climate, the North Carolina Supreme Court held its August Sessions in the Burke County Courthouse each year from 1847 to 1861, a significant event at that time for a town with a population of only 558.

The railroad reached Morganton in 1868, bringing summer vacationers to the town.

In 1875, the North Carolina General Assembly with the help of Samuel Tate passed a bill, which brought the Western North Carolina Insane Asylum to Morganton. The facility opened in 1883. Its name changed to the Broughton Hospital in 1959.

In 1891 with a population of 1,557, Samuel Tate helped to influence legislation to move the North Carolina School for the Deaf from Raleigh to Morganton. The school opened in 1894.

Today, Morganton, a town of 17,000, has an upcoming food and arts community amid a well-preserved historic downtown area.