Burke County, North Carolina is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. It is bordered by McDowell County to the north, Caldwell County to the east, Catawba County to the south, and Cleveland County to the west. The county seat is Morganton, which is also its largest city.
The geography of Burke County is diverse and consists of rolling hills and valleys with small mountain ranges scattered throughout. The terrain ranges from flat plains in the eastern portion of the county to rugged mountains in the western part. The highest peak in Burke County is Shortoff Mountain at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.
The climate of Burke County is mostly temperate with four distinct seasons each year. Summers are generally warm with temperatures reaching into the mid-80s on average while winters are generally mild with temperatures typically staying above freezing during most days. Precipitation levels are moderate throughout most of the year with average annual rainfall totals ranging from 45-50 inches per year.
As of 2019, Burke County had a population estimated at 87,817 people spread out over an area totaling 441 square miles. The population density was 198 people per square mile with approximately 96% identifying as White Non-Hispanic and 2% identifying as African American or Black Non-Hispanic according to 2019 estimates from the US Census Bureau. Approximately 6% identified as Hispanic or Latino while other ethnicities including Asian and Native American made up less than 2%.
Economy of Burke County, North Carolina
Burke County, North Carolina is a geographically diverse area with a strong and prosperous economy. The county’s economy is largely driven by the manufacturing and transportation sectors, which account for nearly 50% of all jobs in Burke County. The manufacturing sector consists of a variety of industries including furniture, textiles, plastics, and automotive parts. The transportation sector includes trucking companies, warehouses, and railroads that are responsible for shipping goods throughout the region.
Agriculture is another important part of the Burke County economy. The county is home to numerous farms that produce crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, tobacco, and hay as well as livestock including cattle and poultry. Additionally, Burke County has several vineyards that grow grapes for wine production.
The tourism industry also plays an important role in the local economy with numerous attractions such as Lake James State Park and Table Rock State Park drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. In addition to outdoor recreation opportunities like camping and fishing there are also several wineries in the area offering tours and tastings throughout the year.
Burke County also has a thriving business community with numerous small businesses located throughout the county providing goods and services to residents and visitors alike. These businesses range from restaurants to retail stores to professional services such as accounting or legal firms that help support local economic activity.
Burke County’s strong economy provides numerous job opportunities for its residents while also providing valuable resources to visitors who come from all over to enjoy its scenic beauty and unique attractions.
Libraries in Burke County, North Carolina
According to babyinger, Burke County, North Carolina is home to several public libraries that serve the educational and recreational needs of its residents. The county has five public library branches, each of which is equipped with an extensive collection of books, magazines, DVDs, and other media. Additionally, the libraries offer a variety of other services such as computer access, online databases, and programming for children and adults.
One of the most popular branches in Burke County is the Morganton Public Library. This library offers a wide selection of books and other materials for all ages as well as numerous programs throughout the year including storytimes, book clubs, and craft classes. Additionally, Morganton Public Library offers several online resources including e-books and digital magazines.
The Valdese Public Library is another popular branch in Burke County. This library provides an extensive collection of books as well as numerous services such as free WiFi access and computer classes. The library also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including author visits, movie nights, and art shows.
The Drexel Public Library is another great resource in Burke County offering a wide selection of books for all ages along with many online resources such as electronic databases and e-books. The library also hosts several events throughout the year including storytimes for children and book clubs for adults.
Finally, there are two smaller branches located in Hildebran and Glen Alpine that provide more limited resources but still offer valuable services to their respective communities. These libraries provide an excellent resource for students looking to do research or find recreational reading materials while also offering a variety of other services such as computer access or movie rentals.
Burke County’s public libraries offer an array of resources to its residents providing access to educational materials while also hosting fun activities throughout the year that help bring people together from all across the county.
Landmarks in Burke County, North Carolina
Burke County, North Carolina is home to a variety of landmarks that offer residents and visitors a wide range of experiences. From natural wonders to historic sites, Burke County has something for everyone. See Ehangzhou for best time to visit North Carolina.
The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of the most popular landmarks in the county. This area is part of the Pisgah National Forest and spans 12,000 acres along the Linville River. The area features rugged terrain with spectacular views and is home to an abundance of wildlife including black bears, wild turkeys, and deer. It is also a popular destination for hikers with numerous trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs.
Another popular landmark in Burke County is Lake James State Park. This park offers visitors a peaceful retreat with stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping. The lake itself covers 6,812 acres and boasts more than 150 miles of shoreline to explore.
The Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery is another great spot in Burke County that offers visitors an opportunity to sample some local wines while taking in beautiful views of the nearby mountains. The vineyard produces several award-winning wines as well as other products such as jams and jellies made from locally sourced fruit.
For those interested in history, there are plenty of options in Burke County as well including the Joseph McDowell House Museum which showcases artifacts from the Revolutionary War era when Joseph McDowell served under George Washington at Valley Forge. Other historic sites include the Historic Morganton Festival Grounds which were used during colonial times for militia training exercises; Quaker Meadows Plantation which was once owned by Thomas Jefferson’s great-grandfather; and the Historic Old Rock Schoolhouse which was built in 1876 and still stands today as a testament to Burke County’s past.
Finally, no trip to Burke County would be complete without visiting some of its many churches such as St Mary’s Catholic Church or Bethlehem Lutheran Church which both feature stunning architecture from centuries past.
There are numerous landmarks throughout Burke County that offer residents and visitors alike an opportunity to experience its rich history while taking in its stunning natural beauty at the same time.