In 1777, Burke County was formed from Rowan County. It was named for Thomas Burke, then serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress (1777 to 1781).
Morganton, North Carolina, was established in 1784 as the first chartered town in western North Carolina and incorporated in 1885, named after Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
Caldwell County, carved from the counties of Burke and Wilkes, was formed in January 1841.
Lenoir, North Carolina, was established as the county seat of Caldwell County in 1841 and incorporated in 1851, named after Revolutionary War hero William Lenoir.
McDowell County, North Carolina, was founded in 1842 and named after Revolutionary War colonel Joseph McDowell, with its seat established in 1844 as Marion, named after General Francis Marion.
