McDowell County is named for Joseph McDowell, who was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War…read moreand who took part in the Battle of Kings Mountain. The county was created in 1842 and Marion has been the county seat ever since. This building is the second to serve as the county courthouse, replacing the one that was built in 1844. It was completed in 1923. It has a Neoclassical architecture with a central block flanked by slightly recessed wings. The features horizontal brickwork on the first story and five tall vertical windows on the upper levels and a flat roofline. It was designed by Erle G. Stillwell who is also responsible for the Henderson (NC) City Hall and the Sumter (SC) City Hall plus a large number of theaters across the southeast. [Review 641 of 2025 - 4128 in North Carolina - 24202 overall]

Support staff, Clerks, Deputies, etc., all very nice and professional. District Attorney's Office…read morereasonable and friendly. Courthouse beautiful on the outside, a bit of a dog on the inside. (Needs to be renovated.) District Court is in the BASEMENT fo the building. Roadside parking available, but you made need to drive a block or two to find it. DON'T TRY TO BRING A CELL PHONE IN, as you'll have to turn around and walk back to the car. There also is a security checkpoint, so leave your knives, brass knuckes & mace in the car. Beautiful part of the state. Easy to find. Nice people.

We stopped at a restaurant in Black Mountain for breakfast last weekend after leaving Asheville…read more We immediately thought the area looked like a cool place and noted they also have a Hampton Inn by Hilton near the exit from I-40. We decided to come up over the 4th of July holiday weekend and booked our stay. We arrived on Sunday afternoon after driving from the Winston-Salem area and making a few stops along the way. We had eaten at Hillman Beer in Old Fort so we decided to park and walk around the downtown area. We noted several breweries and outdoor areas including a small park and food trucks options. There are plenty of free parking lots as well as ample street parking along with public restrooms. We also did not expect to find out that Roberta Flack was born here in 1937. We learned, the town is named for the old train stop at the Black Mountain Depot and is located at the southern end of the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Southern Appalachians. We spent a couple of days in and around Black Mountain and feel like it is a special little spot.

It was mid-week when I decided to drive up the mountain on a crisp September morning out of Chimney…read moreRock to "The Little Town that Rocks!" yep Black Rock, NC a.k.a "The Front Porch of Western North Carolina," breathe deeply and take in the clean mountain air, and relax. This small town is locate just 15 miles from Asheville although it seems much more remote than it really is, especially as you navigate the numerous switchbacks while climbing the mountain - my speed probably never exceeded 45 mph as I took in the scenic countryside while transversing the unfamiliar route as the locals pushed my driving skills as they seemed to be racing their way to hell, most of the curves here are closer to 180 degree turns verses the normal 90 degree turns most non-mountainous people are used to so take advantage of the turn-outs as they appear and let the speed demons make their meeting with the grim-reaper or the other entities that live in this isolated section of the twilight zone, I've never seem a better tuned suspension on a 1980 F-150 than I did today, this cat was bending the needle as he pushed me for a few miles before I could give him room to go around. Now don't get me wrong this ain't no hick-town, my first stop was an ultra modern Starbucks, so I was able to get my non-fat, no foam latte fix while still having five bars on my iPhone, looks like this town is already a step ahead of SpaceX and it's StarLink satellite program. We took some time to explore the historic downtown that's filled with lots of shops and little restaurants, it's apparent the economic development committee has a plan in place to capture the interest and dollars of visitors that happen to stop by. Although our visit here was short we did get to experience some of its small town charm but wasn't here long enough to see any of their struggles. Although I didn't get to experience it Black Mountain owns and operates the Black Mountain Golf Course which is home to the famous 747yd, par 6 17th hole, which at one time the longest hole in the world, now that sounds like a birdie opportunity to me...

The current Burke County Justice Center is a modern judicial facility designed with contemporary…read morefunction and completed in 1975. It is a single story buff-colored brick building in the center of Morganton on grounds that have a number of veterans and war memorials. This is the third courthouse to serve the county. Burke County was created in 1777 and Morganton has been the county seat ever since. The county was named for Thomas Burke, who was a member of the Continental Congress and governor of North Carolina. Morganton was named for Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The justice center has street parking in front and it is located a short walk from the historic 1835 courthouse. [Review 543 of 2026 - 4638 in North Carolina - 25725 overall]

Historical marker N-8 is located across the street from the Historic Burke County Courthouse and…read morepoints out the history of a local politician who went on to lead the state of North Carolina through challenging times. The marker reads, "Governor, 1870-1874, during Reconstruction, member State Convention of 1865. His home stood here." It was erected in 1939 by the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development. Tod Robinson Caldwell rose from a standout Morganton‑born attorney to a central figure in North Carolina's turbulent Reconstruction politics. Trained by leading educators and known for sharp courtroom skill, he entered public life early and remained a committed Unionist even as most state Whigs shifted course during the Civil War. Afterward he helped build the state's Republican Party and became a key architect of its postwar government. As governor he pushed for financial stability, stronger public schools, legal protections for Black citizens, and accountability in major bond scandals, though an unfriendly legislature blocked much of his agenda. Known for moderation during a volatile era, he won a narrow reelection before dying suddenly in 1874, with his body returned to the community that shaped his early career. There is street parking here and it's an easy stop as you're exploring the historic district of Morganton. [Review 545 of 2026 - 4640 in North Carolina - 25727 overall]

Located on a busy stretch of College Street near the courthouse and city hall, this marker points…read moreout the history of this post-Civil War educational institution. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Established in 1887 to educate African Americans in western N.C. Emerged as residential preparatory school for Black women. Was 1/3 mil east until 1974." There is more information online. It began as the Industrial School on College Street, established by missionaries L. M. and Ann Pease, and was later operated by the Women's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Renamed Allen Industrial Home School in 1897, it served students from across western North Carolina and beyond, with half of its graduates attending college by the 1950s. Notable alumni include musician Nina Simone and NASA scientist Dr. Christine Darden; the school closed in 1974 due to declining enrollment. It is marker number P-101 and it was erected in 2023 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. [Review 1296 of 2025 - 4441 in North Carolina - 24848 overall]

We've been traveling to Lake Lure for a number of years and have always parked our RV up the…read moremountain at Apple Valley Farms MotorCoach Resort for a week or so but spend a lot of time here with friends that also stay in the area at their timeshares in Rumbling Bald Resort - We always meet for lunch at La Strada's upon arriving then for cocktails at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn both located in the downtown area, this has been an annual tradition that we have come to love. We also spend time on the lake renting pontoon boats and cruise Lake Lure visiting lakeside restaurants and enjoying this beautiful lake and area. Unfortunately that wasn't the case this year, it was a different experience and no words or photos can do what has happen to the area justice, the world changed for the people and businesses of Lake Lure and the surrounding communities specifically Chimney Rock and Bat Cave when Hurricane Helene caused major devastation on September 27, 2024, when the Broad River overflowing its banks and destroying much of the infrastructure in the area. The storm brought flooding, mudslides, and widespread destruction to this western North Carolina region and although much progress has been made in the year since the flash flooding it still has a way to go before the area returns to some since of normalcy. Although the Town of Lake Lure was spared the brunt of the storm, the lake filled with debris and the damn was breached devastating the economy here. Having met so many locals here I know first hand they are very resilient and still depend on their neighbors for the most part through the continued recovery - we weren't going to let this terrible event stop us from returning here less than a year after the destruction, we felt visiting here would be more about supporting the community, they have worked hard to get back to living, everyone that I have spoken to appreciates the people that have returned to support their economy by spending money at the local businesses. I know it may take years for the area to return to the pristine place it once was but I have no doubt it will thanks to the people who call this home...

My kick ass bosses (woohoo Back2Health!) took the staff on a much needed weekend getaway to Lake…read moreLure. Apparently the best way for staff to bond is through jello shots and 20 ft dives into a lake. ;-) I'm not really big on the outdoors but this place was awesome. In one weekend I saw deer, a beaver, and squirrels. I'm pretty sure had I woken up early, gone out onto the balcony, extended my arms and sang, birds would have come to me. Our rental house had a pontoon boat, a paddle boat, and a canoe. The lake is huge, the water is so clear, and I really need to find out if the guy who owns the castle is single ;-) Water was cold-ish but so nice to swin in. Tiny little fish nip at your feet but nothing scarier than that. Consider it a free fish pedicure. Ingles is an awesome and huge grocery store. You must taste the pistachio muffins.

Who is Sam J. Ervin, Jr and why were a historical marker, a bronze statue and plaques on the…read moresidewalk placed outside of the historic Burke County Courthouse in his honor? Sam J. Ervin Jr is considered a "Native Son" in Morganton, NC because he was born, raised, worked, and buried in the area. He was born in 1896 to a prominent attorney, Samuel James Ervin and Laura Theresa Powe. Long before the nation affectionately came to know him as "Senator Sam," he volunteered to serve in World War I a month before graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1917. Erwin faced intense combat, serving on the front lines in France. He was wounded twice and earned two Purple Hearts. He also received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism and the Silver Star for gallantry in action during the capture and defense of Cantigny, and the French Fourragère, awarded by France for his unit's collective valor. Ervin Jr, considered himself a "country lawyer" even after graduating from Harvard Law School with honors. He also did law school backward, starting with Year 3 classes and finishing with Year 1 classes. "Senator Sam" is best known for presiding over the Watergate Hearings in 1973-1974 to protect American democracy from executive overreach, as he was a Constitutional Genius. When he retired from the Senate in 1974, Ervin moved back to Morganton, NC, so that he could practice law, write books, and live his life in the mountains with the community he loved. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and Elder. When visiting downtown Morganton, take a few minutes to read the marker, study the statue, and read the engravings.

This marker is located directly in front of the Burke County Courthouse and points out this local…read morewho was a lawyer here and went on to represent the state in Washington. It is marker number N-49 and it reads, "U.S. Senator, 1954-1974; led Senate Watergate Committee, 1973-1974; judge. His law office was one block west." It was erected in 2011 by the North Carolina Office of Archives an History. There is more information online. Ervin's career bridged the era when powerful Southern politicians shaped national politics. After service in World War I and years as a legislator and judge, he entered Congress twice by appointment, ultimately winning three full Senate terms. Ervin became nationally known for chairing the Watergate Committee in 1973‑74. A prolific speaker and writer on North Carolina history, he left behind an extensive body of work now housed at UNC‑Chapel Hill. His legacy, as described by historian Karl Campbell, reflects both his resistance to civil rights and the Equal Rights Amendment and his celebrated defense of civil liberties. [Review 544 of 2026 - 4639 in North Carolina - 25726 overall]

The Charters of Freedom monument is located on the north side of the Historic Burke County…read moreCourthouse in Downtown Morganton, NC. The Morganton Charters of Freedom were the first of many placed outside of Washington, D.C. The three limestone and concrete pedestals hold the bronze life-size replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Burke County residents Vance and Mary Jo Patterson gifted this to the community with their non-profit Foundation Forward. They wanted to duplicate what they experienced seeing and reading the documents in Washington, D.C., for their community, knowing that most people wouldn't get an opportunity to see the documents in Washington, D.C., but still could get to learn about them and see them in person. Having the documents near the Sam J Ervin Jr. Memorial is fitting, as "Senator Sam" spent his entire legal and congressional life defending the Constitution. He was the go-to authority in the Senate whenever a complex constitutional question came up. The Charters of Freedom also hold a time capsule that will be opened on the 300th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, September 17, 2087. They put letters from government officials, historians, educators and the Pattersons, among other tributes America is the land of the free and the home of the brave as long as the words contained in the documents are understood and upheld.

"We the People..."…read more These three words hit a little harder when you're standing in front of the Charters of Freedom installation at the Historic Burke County Courthouse in Morganton. They're the opening to the document that defines who we are as a country and seeing them displayed right here in front of a courthouse where laws were once interpreted and enforced feels exactly right. These installations always impress me, but this one has an extra layer of meaning because of the setting. This two-century-old courthouse has that solid, dignified presence and the replicas of the Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights fits the space like they were meant to be here from the beginning. I've visited a handful of these Charters of Freedom sites and every time I am struck by how accessible and respectful they are. You can walk right up, read the text, and take a moment to appreciate the ideas that make America America. And even though the current judicial center is a few blocks away, the symbolism still works. Maybe it works even better. This is the historic courthouse, the one that watched generations of life unfold, and having the founding documents here feels like a bridge between the past and the principles that still guide us. It also creates an interesting counterpoint to the nearby Confederate soldier monument. The two pieces sit within sight of each other, but they tell very different stories. One is about the nation's founding ideals and the rights guaranteed to everyone. The other reflects a specific chapter of Southern memory and the complicated history that comes with it. Standing between them, you can feel the conversation of how public spaces hold multiple layers of history at once. And that's part of what makes this installation worth stopping for. [Review 547 of 2026 - 4642 in North Carolina - 25729 overall]