Valdese in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Waldensian Colony

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 28, 2009

1. The Waldensian Colony Marker

Inscription. To the Waldensian Colony from the Cottian Alps. who settled here first in 1893 numbering in all 427, in recognition of their Christian ideals, integrity, industry and good citizenship this monument is erected, by the Town of Valdese. And Burke County Commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of their arrival

Erected by The Town of Valdese and Burke County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 35° 44.593′ N, 81° 33.746′ W. Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It is on Main St E (State Highway 70). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valdese NC 28690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was

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once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Waldenses (a few steps from this marker); Valdese Centennial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldensian Heritage Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Bocce (within shouting distance of this marker); The Waldensians (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Madison (about 600 feet away); Benjamin Franklin (about 600 feet away); The Charters of Freedom (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 28, 2009

2. The Waldensian Colony Marker

The Waldensian Colony Marker at Waldensian Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

3. The Waldensian Colony Marker at Waldensian Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Stanley and Terrie Howard, June 28, 2009

4. The Waldensian Co lony Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,277 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 3. submitted on December 8, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 4. submitted on June 28, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.