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

Rock Sled

— Waldensian Trail of Faith —

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

1. Rock Sled Marker

Inscription. When the Waldensians arrived in Valdese, they were pleased to find so many rocks in the woods. Rock was the main building component they used in the old country so they knew how to use it in building. They built narrow sleds that could be pulled through the woods with oxen and horses, using the whole family to gather the rocks. They were so good at rock masonry that their hand print is on about every important rock structure from Asheville to Virginia bridges leading into Washington.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 35° 44.884′ N, 81° 34.047′ 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 at the Waldensian Trail of Faith Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Church St NW, Valdese NC 28690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains.

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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 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: Drag Pan (a few steps from this marker); The Sawmill (a few steps from this marker); The Refour House (a few steps from this marker); Hay Baler (a few steps from this marker); The Tron House (within shouting distance of this marker); Edict of Emancipation - 1848 (within shouting distance of this marker); Road Grader (within shouting distance of this marker); Hay Rake (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.

Rock Sled and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

2. Rock Sled and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 7, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.