Valdese in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Trail to Exile
| | Waldensian Trail of Faith | |
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025
1. Trail to Exile Marker
"Renounce your faith or be exiled."
That was the choice the Waldensians faced in the winter of 1686-1687. This is the story.
In April of 1686, under the reign of King Louis XIV, French and Savoy armies moved to annihilate the Waldensians. Thousands were killed. Approximately 8,000 who were not massacred were taken captive, imprisoned, and their lands confiscated. In a matter of months, four thousand of those would perish in prison due to inhumane treatment.
But in the hills a resolute band of survivors (300 men later named the "Invincibles") planned a daring move to free their captured countrymen and bargain for an honorable exodus to a foreign land. The little band of rescue warriors staged a series of surprised attacks on the soldiers, capturing garrisons at four villages and a convoy of ammunition and provisions. They got the Duke's attention.
At that point he released all Waldensian prisoners and gave them a choice: "Renounce your faith and you may stay in the Valleys. Refuse and you will be exiled to Switzerland."
When released, less than 4000 prisoners were still alive. Though weak from prison treatment
this page online
Almost 200 froze crossing the mountains.
The total number to reach Geneva: 2656 (Marker Number 8.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1686.
Location. 35° 44.85′ N, 81° 34.052′ W. Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It can be reached from the intersection of Church Street Northwest and Lincoln Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling north. The location is the Waldensian Trail of Faith Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 399 Church St NW, 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
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025
2. Trail to Exile leads to an overlook at the museum
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mill Stone (a few steps from this marker); Monument at Sibaud (a few steps from this marker); Mower (a few steps from this marker); Beckwith School (within shouting distance of this marker); Disk Harrow (within shouting distance of this marker); Corn Planter (within shouting distance of this marker); Hay Rake (within shouting distance of this marker); Cultivator (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025
3. Trail to Exile cross. Inscription at the base: "Our Faith Was All We Had" 1686
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 3, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 2, 3. submitted on March 4, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
