Morganton in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Burke Courthouse
Erected 1963 by NC Archives and Highway Departments. (Marker Number N-34.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 35° 44.734′ N, 81° 41.266′ W. Marker is in Morganton, North Carolina, in Burke County. Marker is on Sterling Street south of Union Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morganton NC 28655, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Morganton (here, next to this marker); Our Confederate Soldiers (here, next to this marker); Sam J. Ervin, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Tod R. Caldwell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Daniel Morgan (approx. 0.2 miles away); “Sacred Dance & the Muses” – 2004 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Etta Baker (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jonesboro Historic District (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morganton.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, November 13, 2016
7. Photo & history from adjacent Morganton Civil War Trails marker
In 1837, builder James Binnie completed this stone courthouse to replace the first Burke County Courthouse, a wooden structure. From 1847 to 1862, this was the only courthouse outside Raleigh in which the North Carolina Supreme Court convened, to escape the summer heat. The exterior was stuccoed in 1885, and in 1903 architect Frank Milburn raised the porticoes and replaced the simple cupola depicted here with one in the Baroque style. In 1976, the county completed a new courthouse and moved from this building. The Old Burke County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Burke County Courthouse, ca.1885
Courtesy Picture Burke, NC Room, Burke County Library
Burke County Courthouse, ca.1885
Courtesy Picture Burke, NC Room, Burke County Library
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on November 14, 2016, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.