Come to the Beautiful Burke County
Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest
A little about us!
Burke County is home to many friendly locals, wonderful, scenic attractions, and amazing memories waiting to be made. Burke County was founded in 1777, the year it separated from Rowan County. The city of Morganton, founded in 1784, is our county seat, and it is home to almost 20% of our population. In Burke County, we offer our residents many service departments such as Veteran Services, Social Services, a Health Department, Soil and Water Conservation services, Fire Marshal services, and many more.
Where are we?
Burke County is located in the central mountainous region of North Carolina. Burke County is surrounded by McDowell County, Rutherford County, Cleveland County, Catawba County, Caldwell County, and Avery County. Our county seat is Morganton (pictured to the right), which is situated almost centrally in our county.
Who are we?
Burke County has a population of 90,912 people (based on the 2010 census). Our County Board of Commissioners is composed of 5 members. Our County Manager is Bryan Steen. Morganton, our county seat, has a population of 16,918. It is run by Mayor Ronnie Thompson and City Manager Sally Sandy. Their city council has 5 members (including mayor Thompson). They reside in the council for 2 years each.
Bryan Steen
County Manager
Sally Sandy
Morganton City Manager
Ronnie Thompson
Morganton Mayor
Where did our name come from?
In 1777, Burke County separated from Rowan County. It was named after the North Carolinian delegate to the Continental Congress Thomas Burke (pictured to the right). Burke later became Governor of North Carolina. Our county seat, Morganton, was named Brigadier General Daniel Morgan who was a hero of the revolutionary war.
What should you do in Burke County?
Burke County is home to portions of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest. In Pisgah, you may chose to wonder around the amazing natural landmark, Table Rock Mountain. Morganton, our county seat, resides in the magnificent foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is also home to the Catawba Meadows Park and Martha's Park.
Portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Table Rock Mountain, Pisgah National Forest
Catawba Meadows Park, Morganton, NC
Fun Facts!
- As a community, we hold many events! Just check out our calendar: https://www.burkenc.org/Calendar.aspx
- We are home to the Fonta Flora State Trail
- On April 17, 1865, General Alvan C. Gillem entered our county seat Morganton's court house and destroyed most of its documents. The remaining documents can be found at the North Carolina Department of Archives and History in Raleigh.