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

John Adams

Circa 1776

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

1. John Adams Marker

Inscription.
October 30, 1735 - July 4, 1826
Age: 51 Height: 5' 7" Weight: 185 lbs
Hair: Fine Brown Eyes: Blue

John Adams was a statesman, diplomat, political activist, and attorney who strongly believed in the right to counsel and the presumption of innocence. Even though he was opposed to British rule, his character demanded he defend the British soldiers charged with murder in the Boston Massacre. They were found not guilty and released.

Just prior to the Battle of Lexington in 1775, he and Sam Adams were warned the British were coming to arrest them by Paul Revere, and they escaped.

John Adams helped write the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and later served as the first Vice President under President George Washington.

John Adams was the 2nd President of the United States of America. He died on the 4th of July 1826, five hours before the death of his lifelong friend and adversary, Thomas Jefferson.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.

Location. 35° 44.618′ N, 81° 33.86′ W.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It is at the intersection of Main Street West (U.S. 70) and Faet Street Southwest, on the left when traveling west on Main Street West. Location of the marker and Adams statue is at Valdese Education Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 Main Street West, 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 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: The Charters of Freedom (a few steps from this marker); Benjamin Franklin (a few steps from this marker); James Madison (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Jefferson

John Adams Marker and statue, back right corner of Education Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

2. John Adams Marker and statue, back right corner of Education Park

(a few steps from this marker); The Waldensians (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldensian Heritage Museum (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Waldensian Colony (about 600 feet away); Waldenses (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 168 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.