Burke County is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It is bordered by Caldwell, McDowell, and Catawba counties to the north, Alexander and Cleveland counties to the east, Lincoln County to the south, and McDowell and Rutherford counties to the west. Burke County covers an area of 441 square miles and has a population of approximately 90,000 people.
According to psyknowhow.com, the history of Burke County dates back to 1777 when it was established from Rowan County. It was named after Thomas Burke who was a delegate from North Carolina to the Continental Congress in 1776. During the Revolutionary War, Burke County was a major center for military action as it was home to many patriot soldiers. After the war ended, Burke saw rapid growth with settlers coming from other parts of North Carolina as well as other states such as Virginia and South Carolina.
Today, visitors can explore many attractions in Burke County including historical sites such as The Old Rock School Museum which showcases artifacts from early educational institutions in western North Carolina; The Hickory Museum of Art which features works by local artists; Catawba Valley Pottery which offers pottery classes; and Linville Caverns which are limestone caves with beautiful formations. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails at Lake James State Park or canoeing down the Catawba River.
Famous people who have resided in Burke County include singer-songwriter Dolly Parton who grew up on a farm near Sevierville; former NFL player Brad Johnson who attended East Burke High School; actor Lee Majors who graduated from Morganton High School; NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose father owned a race shop in Mooresville; singer-songwriter James Taylor who lived in Morganton for several years before moving away; and U.S Senator Kay Hagan whose family has lived in Morganton since 1835.
Burke County offers something for everyone no matter what you’re looking for – whether it’s outdoor activities or exploring local attractions like museums or galleries – you’ll find it all here. With its rich history and vibrant culture, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
Climate and weather in Burke County, North Carolina
According to andyeducation.com, the climate of Burke County, North Carolina is considered to be humid subtropical. Summers in the area are usually hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 90s on a regular basis. Winters are mild with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing. Average snowfall for the area is around 8 inches per year.
Rainfall is plentiful in Burke County with an average of around 45 inches annually. The wettest months are typically June and July while the driest months are November through January. Spring and fall tend to be pleasant with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s.
The area has a rather long growing season due to its mild climate, allowing farmers to plant crops as early as March and harvest them as late as October or November depending on the crop. This makes Burke County an ideal place for growing fruits and vegetables, such as apples, peaches, tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers, and more.
Despite its humid climate, there are still some days where it can get quite dry in Burke County due to strong winds coming from the west or northwest which can bring in warm air from other areas of North Carolina or even further away states like Tennessee or Virginia. These winds can also create dust storms that can cause visibility issues when driving on highways and roads throughout the county.
however, Burke County has a pleasant climate throughout most of the year making it an enjoyable place to visit or live. Temperatures rarely rise too high or too low making it a great place for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in nearby Lake James State Park or camping along Catawba River.
Transportation in Burke County, North Carolina
Burke County, North Carolina is served by several public transportation options. The Burke Transit System (BTS) provides bus and van service in the county. The BTS operates six routes throughout the county, connecting residents to key destinations such as hospitals, shopping centers, and schools. The buses are equipped with bike racks and wheelchair lifts for those with mobility needs. Additionally, the BTS provides door-to-door service for seniors and persons with disabilities in conjunction with local municipalities.
The county also offers a variety of taxi services for those who need to get around town quickly and efficiently. Taxis can be summoned from any major intersection or hotel in the area and fares are usually based on distance traveled or time spent in transit. There are also a number of limousine services that serve Burke County, providing luxury transportation to special events or occasions.
In addition to public transportation options, Burke County is served by two airports – Hickory Regional Airport (HKY) and Morganton-Lenoir Airport (MRN). HKY serves both commercial airlines and private aircrafts while MRN is strictly used for general aviation purposes such as business trips or recreational flights. Both airports offer rental car services upon arrival so visitors have easy access to their desired destinations within the county. With all these transportation options available, getting around Burke County is easy and convenient.
Cities and towns in Burke County, North Carolina
Burke County, North Carolina is home to a variety of cities and towns. The county seat is Morganton, which is the largest city in the area with a population of over 17,000. Morganton offers many amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. It also has several historic sites such as the Burke County Courthouse and the old Burke County Jail.
According to Countryaah, other cities in Burke County include Valdese, Connelly Springs, Hildebran, Drexel, and Rutherford College. Valdese is known for its beautiful downtown area with its many shops and restaurants. It also houses one of the oldest churches in the state: St Mary’s Catholic Church. Connelly Springs is another small town in Burke County that has a few restaurants and stores as well as a local golf course.
Hildebran is located along I-40 and is home to several businesses including an industrial park, retail stores, and restaurants. Drexel is located close to Lake Rhodhiss and features a historic district with buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Lastly, Rutherford College has a few stores but primarily serves as a bedroom community for those who commute to larger cities for work or school.
All these cities and towns are connected by major roadways such as I-40 which traverses through most of Burke County from east to west. Additionally, US Highway 64 runs from Morganton all the way up into Virginia while US Highway 70 connects Morganton to Hickory in neighboring Catawba County. With these major highways running through various parts of Burke County, it makes traveling between locations easy and convenient.