Native Americans of the complex and far-flung Mississippian culture inhabited the county long before Europeans arrived in the New World.

They built earthwork mounds, including at Joara, a 12-acre (49,000 m2) site and regional chiefdom in North Carolina, near present-day Morganton.

It was the center of the largest Native American settlement in North Carolina, dating from about 1000 AD and expanding into the next centuries.

[3] They had been sent by the governor at Santa Elena (Parris Island) in South Carolina to find an overland route to the silver mines in central Mexico, believing that the Appalachians were connected to a range there.

Captain Juan Pardo, leader of the expedition, left about 30 soldiers at the fort while continuing his exploration.

The western Piedmont was settled by many Scots-Irish and German immigrants in the mid- to late 18th century.

In 2013, archeologists announced that they had found remains of Fort San Juan at Joara, confirming early accounts.

Table Rock, a prominent peak in the county in the east rim of Linville Gorge, part of Pisgah National Forest, has been described as "the most visible symbol in the region".

[7] In the southern part of the county, the South Mountains State Park covers almost 21,000-acre (8,500 ha) and features waterfalls and hiking trails.

The southern third lies within the 112nd district, which also covers Rutherford County and is represented by Republican David Rogers.

[16] Although never explicitly mentioned by name in the novel, the hideout of Robur-the villain in Jules Verne's Master of the World-is thought to be Table Rock Mountain in Burke County.

Many of the extras who played settlers, British soldiers, and Native Americans were locals from Burke and surrounding counties.

The final scene from The Hunt for Red October had the backdrop filmed on Lake James, while the actors stayed in Hollywood.

In 2011, scenes for the Lionsgate adaptation of The Hunger Games were filmed near Hildebran, North Carolina, at the Henry River Mill Village.