Morganton

Morganton

General Information
Name	Morganton
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	35°44 7°N
Map
Population
Total	17,310
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-5
DST	UTC-4

Morganton is a city located in Burke County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Burke County and is part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Morganton was founded in 1784 and named after Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The city has a rich history, with several historic sites and buildings, including the Historic Burke County Courthouse and the Quaker Meadows Cemetery.

Geography

Morganton is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a scenic backdrop and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The city covers a total area of 19.16 square miles, of which 18.92 square miles is land and 0.24 square miles is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Morganton had a population of 17,310. The city has a diverse community with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities.

Economy

Morganton's economy is supported by various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city is home to several major employers, such as Broughton Hospital, a state psychiatric hospital, and Western Piedmont Community College.

Education

Morganton is served by the Burke County Public Schools system, which provides education from elementary through high school. Higher education is available at Western Piedmont Community College, which offers a range of degree programs and continuing education courses.

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Morganton are provided by several facilities, including Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge and Broughton Hospital. These institutions offer a wide range of medical services to the community.

Transportation

Morganton is accessible via Interstate 40, which runs east-west through the city. Public transportation is provided by the Greenway Public Transportation system, offering bus services within the city and surrounding areas.

Culture and Recreation

Morganton offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The city hosts several annual events, such as the Morganton Festival and the Historic Morganton Festival. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities at nearby Lake James State Park and the Catawba River Greenway.

Notable People

• Sam J. Ervin Jr., U.S. Senator known for his role in the Watergate scandal hearings.
• Thomas F. Toon, Confederate general during the American Civil War.

External Links

• [Official website of Morganton](http://www.ci.morganton.nc.us/)