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

Benjamin Franklin

Circa 1776

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

1. Benjamin Franklin Marker

Inscription.
January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790
Age: 81 Height: 5' 9" Weight: 220 lbs
Hair: Blonde/Brown Eyes: Grey

Benjamin Franklin was a true American polymath, a universal man covering a vast range of knowledge. He was a writer, publisher, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, and political philosopher.

While Jefferson and Medison were intellectuals, Benjamin Franklin was a true sage. The other Founding Fathers would often go to Franklin for his wisdom, experience, and guidance when they were stuck on a problem.

In the 1750's, he became an abolitionist, a strong voice against slavery, and promoted education and integration of African Americans into U.S. society.

In addition to being a drafter and signer of the United States Constitution, Franklin was also the first Postmaster General and a major figure in the American Enlightenment. As an inventor, he created the Franklin stove, lightening rod, bifocals, catheter, swim fins, and theoretical electricity. He also designed the first official circulation coin in the US, the Fugio cent, also known as the Franklin cent.

Benjamin Franklin was a successful newspaper

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editor and publisher of Poor Richard's Almanac, a popular yearly almanac distributed throughout the 13 colonies. He was Governor of Pennsylvania from 1785-1788, and served as Ambassador to France, where he was a strong influence in convincing France to join the American Revolution on the side of the Colonists.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism • Science & Medicine • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location. 35° 44.624′ N, 81° 33.854′ W. Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It is at the intersection of Main Street West (U.S. 70) and Faet Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street West. The location of the marker and statue is at the entrance of Valdese Education Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 Main St 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,

Benjamin Franklin Marker and statue and the corner of Main Street W and Faet Street NW image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

2. Benjamin Franklin Marker and statue and the corner of Main Street W and Faet Street NW

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: James Madison (here, next to this marker); The Charters of Freedom (here, next to this marker); Thomas Jefferson (a few steps from this marker); John Adams (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 March 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.