As you stroll through Morganton, North Carolina, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This town, founded in 1777, is full of old buildings that tell stories from long ago. Ready to explore Morganton’s hidden treasures? Let’s dive in and discover what makes this place so special.
Key Takeaways
– Morganton, North Carolina, founded in 1777, is rich in history with many well-preserved old buildings.
– The Historic McDowell House, built in 1812, is the oldest brick house in Burke County and has significant historical importance.
– The Historic Burke County Courthouse, built in 1837, is one of the oldest courthouses in western North Carolina and now serves as a museum.
– The Historic Tate House was home to Samuel Tate, a Civil War hero, and offers a glimpse into 1800s life.
– The Historic Broughton Hospital, originally the Western North Carolina Insane Asylum, showcases late 1800s and early 1900s architecture.
– The Railroad Depot and Museum, housed in a restored 1860s train station, features artifacts that highlight Morganton’s railroad history.
– The History Museum of Burke County has over 20,000 items showcasing more than 300 years of local history.
– The Historic North Carolina School for the Deaf, established in 1891, includes 14 historic buildings and a small museum.
– Morganton’s architecture spans from the late 1700s to the mid-1900s, featuring styles like Queen Anne, Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Neo-Classical.
– Notable architects and builders, such as Samuel Sloan and James Binnie, contributed to Morganton’s unique architectural heritage.
Morganton’s Early Days
Morganton got its name from Daniel Morgan, a famous soldier in the American Revolution. The town has a rich history that you can see in its well-kept old buildings. As you walk around downtown, you’ll be surrounded by pieces of the past that have stood strong for centuries.
Morganton started in 1777, right in the middle of the American Revolution. It was named after Daniel Morgan, a smart military leader. The town’s good location and rich soil brought in many new people, helping it grow quickly. For those looking to experience the natural beauty of the area, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, a family-friendly campground near Marion, North Carolina, offers a perfect base to explore the region’s history and outdoor attractions.
When you walk through old Morganton, you can almost feel what life was like back then. The old buildings and neat streets show us how the town looked long ago. A group called the Historic Burke Foundation works hard to keep these old buildings in good shape. They want to make sure people can enjoy Morganton’s history for many years to come.
The McDowell House: A Piece of Revolutionary History
One of Morganton’s most special buildings is the Historic McDowell House, built in 1812. It’s the oldest brick house in Burke County. When you see it, you’ll notice its classic style and the handmade bricks that have lasted for over 200 years.
The McDowell House isn’t just pretty to look at – it’s full of history too. This is where Charles McDowell’s father and other soldiers met to plan how to beat the British in a big battle. When you tour the house, you’ll see tall chimneys and special brick designs that were popular back then. You can visit the house and even have parties there, letting you feel like you’re part of history.
Burke County Courthouse: A Place of Justice
In the middle of Morganton stands the Historic Burke County Courthouse. It’s one of the oldest courthouses in the western part of North Carolina, built in 1837. Many important trials have happened here, including some for the North Carolina Supreme Court.
The courthouse was built using special stone from a nearby farm. A Scottish builder named James Binnie designed it. During the Civil War, a famous general named George Stoneman used the courthouse. Today, it’s a museum where you can visit and learn about its long history.
The Tate House: A Civil War Hero’s Home
In downtown Morganton, you’ll find the Historic Tate House. It was the home of Samuel Tate, who was a hero in the American Civil War. Tate wasn’t just a soldier – he was also a successful businessman and politician who helped shape Morganton’s history.
When you see the Tate House, you’ll be amazed by how beautiful it is. The house shows us what life was like for an important family in the 1800s. As you walk through the rooms, you can almost hear the echoes of people talking about the Civil War and how to rebuild the South afterward.
The Tate House is more than just a pretty building. It’s a window into a different time. The furniture, decorations, and even the layout of the rooms tell us about how people lived back then. It’s like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the days when Samuel Tate and his family called this place home.
Broughton Hospital: Looking Back in Time
On the edge of Morganton, you’ll find the Historic Broughton Hospital. It used to be called the Western North Carolina Insane Asylum. This big group of buildings came to Morganton in the late 1800s. It shows us how doctors used to treat mental health problems in America long ago.
When you drive by the hospital, you’ll see huge, beautiful buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can’t go inside, but just looking at the outside is worth the trip. The hospital looks like a small town, with big buildings and pretty gardens. Back then, places like this were built to be like little worlds of their own, where people could get help and work too.
Railroad Depot and Museum: A Trip Through Time
No visit to Morganton is complete without stopping at the Railroad Depot and Museum. It’s in an old train station from the 1860s that’s been fixed up to look like new. When you go inside, you’ll see lots of old things from trains that help you imagine what it was like to travel by rail long ago.
The museum has many cool things to look at. You can see old plates from dining cars, an old telegraph machine, and even a big light from the front of a steam train. Each of these things tells a story about how Morganton was connected to other places by the railroad.
The train station building itself is really special. It looks just like train stations did in the 1800s. When you stand inside, you can almost hear the old trains pulling up to the platform and imagine people getting on and off, starting their journeys or coming home.
Beyond Buildings: Places of Culture
While Morganton’s old buildings are amazing, there are other places that teach us about the town’s history too. The History Museum of Burke County is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the area’s past. It has over 20,000 old things from more than 300 years of history.
At the museum, you can see what old stores and shops looked like. There are displays that show an old barbershop, a beauty salon, and a café. These help you imagine what life was like in Morganton long ago. The museum also has old military things, clothes, and toys that show how people in Burke County lived through different times.
Another important place in Morganton is the Historic North Carolina School for the Deaf. It opened in 1891 and has been teaching students for a long time. The school has 14 old buildings that were built between 1891 and the mid-1930s. Each building shows how building styles changed over time.
The most impressive building is the Main Building. It has a tall clock tower that you can see from far away. As you walk around, you’ll see how beautiful and different each building is. There’s a small museum that shows old pictures, building plans, and other things from the school’s history. It helps you understand why this school is so important.
Building Styles: A Walk Through Time
Morganton’s buildings show us how American house and building styles have changed over almost 200 years. The old part of downtown Morganton has buildings from when the town started in the late 1700s all the way to the mid-1900s. This mix of buildings tells the story of how Morganton grew and changed over time.
As you walk around, you’ll see many different styles of buildings. There are fancy Queen Anne and Victorian houses next to simpler Colonial Revival and Neo-Classical buildings. The main streets have old-fashioned store fronts, and in the neighborhoods, you’ll find cozy bungalows and unique cottages. The area also has buildings from the Great Depression and a beautiful old church, each adding its own special touch to Morganton’s look.
The People Who Built Morganton
Morganton’s beautiful buildings didn’t just appear by magic. They were created by skilled architects and builders who left their mark on the town. People like Samuel Sloan, Augustus Bauer, and Charles Benton designed some of Morganton’s most famous buildings. Their ideas shaped how the town looks and set a high standard for building in the area.
Other important architects who worked in Morganton include Charles Christian Hook, Louis Asbury, and M. R. Marsh. Each of these people brought their own special style to the buildings they designed in Morganton. This is why the town has so many different and interesting buildings. Builders like James Binnie and Philo Harbison took these architects’ plans and made them real, using their skills to create buildings that have lasted for a very long time.
As we finish our tour of Morganton’s buildings, we can see how special this town really is. From the old McDowell House to the big Burke County Courthouse, each building tells part of Morganton’s story. These aren’t just pretty buildings – they’re like time machines that let us see and feel what life was like long ago.
When you visit Morganton, remember that every brick and stone has a story to tell. Take your time to explore and listen to these stories. The skill and ideas that went into these buildings have shaped this charming town. Morganton’s old buildings aren’t just from the past – they inspire us today and remind us why it’s important to take care of our history. So come and see the historic beauty of Morganton for yourself. You’ll make your own memories among these timeless treasures. And when you’re ready to unwind after a day of exploring, consider staying at Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, where you can relax in nature and plan your next day’s adventures in this historically rich region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Morganton known for?
A: Morganton is known for its historic buildings and rich history dating back to 1777.
Q: Who was Morganton named after?
A: Morganton was named after Daniel Morgan, a famous soldier in the American Revolution.
Q: What is special about the Historic McDowell House?
A: The Historic McDowell House, built in 1812, is the oldest brick house in Burke County and has significant historical importance.
Q: Can you visit the Historic Burke County Courthouse?
A: Yes, the Historic Burke County Courthouse is now a museum where you can learn about its history.
Q: What is unique about the Historic Tate House?
A: The Historic Tate House was the home of Samuel Tate, a hero of the American Civil War, and it provides a glimpse into life in the 1800s.
Q: What can you see at the Railroad Depot and Museum?
A: At the Railroad Depot and Museum, you can see old train-related items like dining car plates, a telegraph machine, and a steam train light.
Q: Why is the Historic North Carolina School for the Deaf important?
A: The Historic North Carolina School for the Deaf, opened in 1891, has 14 old buildings that show the evolution of building styles and has a small museum with historical exhibits.
Q: Who were some of the important architects in Morganton?
A: Important architects in Morganton include Samuel Sloan, Augustus Bauer, Charles Benton, Charles Christian Hook, Louis Asbury, and M. R. Marsh.
Q: What kinds of building styles can you see in downtown Morganton?
A: In downtown Morganton, you can see a mix of building styles including Queen Anne, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical, and more.
Q: Why is it important to preserve Morganton’s historic buildings?
A: Preserving Morganton’s historic buildings is important because they tell the town’s story and inspire us by showing the skill and ideas of past builders and architects.