An influx of European settlers over the Blue Ridge Mountains led Morganton to become the first chartered town in western North Carolina in 1784.

[citation needed] In the early 20th century, textile mills were developed in the Piedmont as industry left union-dominated areas of the Northeast United States.

[citation needed] In 2006, an explosion at Synthron, a paint additive chemical manufacturer in Morganton,[8][9] left 13 injured and one dead.

[11] Morganton is located in central Burke County in the Catawba River valley in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is part of Appalachia.

Other employers include furniture manufacturing facilities and tourists traveling on Interstate 40 to attractions in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

[19] Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church hosts an annual Parish Food Festival in the first week of November.

[20][21][22] The Morganton Festival takes place the weekend after Labor Day, featuring local vendors and live music.

[24][25] Morganton hosts summer concerts on the Burke County Courthouse Square, featuring local and regional performers.