Burke’s natural beauty, friendly people are natural attractions Burke County has a long and varied history dating back to the Revolutionary War, when the
county encompassed what is now 16 counties in the state.

Although the land mass is less, the county’s population has swollen to nearly 90,000 residents, with the city of Morganton serving as the county seat.

Traditionally, Burke County was a mix of an agricultural and industrial economy.
It is still not uncommon to see farms with cattle grazing in the fields, or find gardens in the summer sprouting ripe tomatoes and other produce.

The major employer in the county is the state, with institutions such as Broughton Hospital, Burke County Public Schools, J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, Western Piedmont Community College, the prison system and North Carolina School for the Deaf.

Furniture and manufacturing industries also have a long history in the county, and while some have left because of competition from overseas markets, many companies still remain.

County leaders are looking toward the future and the promise of economic growth. Several projects on the front burner.These projects include development at Lake James, a new state park, a baseball complex and industrial park and are expected to bring in new tax revenue and tourist dollars.

The tax rate in the county remains at 59 cents per $100 of real property value. Cities and towns in the county also have a property tax rate.But many in the county believe the benefits are worth the taxes they pay.

Scenic vistas such as the Linville Gorge, Linville Falls, South Mountains State Park and Lake James offer recreational activities throughout the county, attracting tourists from around the state to the area. County leaders hope to capitalize on the natural beauty of the area.

The county, along with several towns, like Morganton and Valdese, offers a wide range of recreational programs for both youth and adults.In addition to recreation,spiritual fulfillment plays a major part in the lives of county residents. Burke County has an abundance of churches that includes almost every religion practiced in the South, from Baptist,Methodist and Presbyterian to Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran and Muslim. While people receive instruction in church, education remains an important component in the lives of residents from birth well into adulthood.

The Burke County Public Schools and North Carolina School for the Deaf offer kindergarten through high school for both hearing, hearing impaired and deaf children in the county. Private schools and home schools also are abundant in the county. Western Piedmont Community College offers numerous degrees, certificates and training for both the traditional student, as well as nontraditional students training for another profession.

With a focus on attracting retirees to the area, healthcare is a major concern for many, but Blue Ridge HealthCare continues to make sure the residents in Burke County receive the best care possible. Blue Ridge HealthCare is expanding its two hospitals in the county, Grace and Valdese General hospitals, to offer services that address the major illnesses residents in the county face. A new heart center, women’s center and cancer care center, as well as neonatal care center, are all part of the planned expansion.

For home and hearth needs, Burke County offers unique shopping, from fine
clothing boutiques and odds and ends shops to craft shops and hardware stores. When folks are looking for some entertainment and distractions, Burke County residents have plenty from which to choose. CoMMA in Morganton and the Old Rock School in Valdese offer a plethora of concerts and shows throughout the year.And residents can see the latest Hollywood releases at Marquee and Carolina Studio Cinemas in Morganton.

Burke County offers residents a great quality of life. Along with the natural beauty of the surrounding hills and mountains, the area is poised to attract tourists, as well as additional residents.

— SHARON MCBRAYER