Before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Burke County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Catawba. These tribes had a well-established presence in the region and were engaged in agriculture and trade. The first European settlers, primarily of Scottish, Irish, and German descent, began arriving in the 18th century. The County was formed in 1777 and was named in honor of Thomas Burke, a delegate to the Continental Congress and a Governor of North Carolina. Burke County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The Overmountain Men, a group of local militia, gathered in the region and marched to the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780, where they played a crucial role in the American victory. The 20th century brought significant changes to Burke County. The growth of manufacturing and textile industries contributed to economic development. The region’s infrastructure improved with the construction of roads and highways. Morganton is the county seat of Burke County, and the County features other great communities such as Nebo and Valdese. The County is also home to two state parks (Lake James State Park and South Mountains State Park), as well as being home to a portion of the Pisgah National Forest.
