Rutherford County Heritage Exhibits Should Not Be Missed!

As We Celebrate Rutherfordton’s 225 Years... Rutherford County Heritage Exhibits Should Not Be Missed!

At the Rutherford County Heritage Center, located at 289 North Main Street in Rutherfordton in the Rutherfordton Town Office Building, you will find the Rutherford County Heritage Exhibit. The exhibit which was first put on display almost a year ago is one that no one in Rutherfordton and Rutherford County should miss. As Rutherfordton celebrates 225 years, everyone should take the time to review this exhibit which is a great tableau of the town and the county. It reflects all the things which have historically been a part of our heritage. This exhibit is for everyone. Residents, school children, teachers, history buffs, all will benefit from this wonderful display. If you take the time to read and study all the portrayals, you will find yourself enjoying and understanding this town of Rutherfordton and Rutherford County more than ever before. 

Rutherfordton is the second county seat of government. The first was Gilbert Town. However, Gilbert Town was not satisfactory for the citizens and finally a new site was chosen and money provided to buy the land. Rutherford County came into existence on April 14, 1779 during the American Revolution. The county was named in honor of Griffith Rutherford of Rowan County. He was a Brigadier-General in the American Revolution and he led the expedition that crushed the Cherokees in 1776. The town was established in 1787. Because of no interruptions, Rutherfordton holds the distinction of being the oldest continuing body of government in Western North Carolina. During the American Revolution the Patriots, known as the OverMountain Men, marched through Rutherfordton on the way to the battle of Kings Mountain - a turning point in the war. Rutherfordton has many claims to history. It was the location of the first U. S. Post Office in western, North Carolina, established in 1798. It was also home to the first school chartered by the state legislature for western North Carolina - The Rutherford Academy which opened in 1806. The first newspaper published in the western part of the state, The North Carolina Spectator and Western Adviser which was founded in 1831. In the 1830’s and 1840’s Rutherfordton was home to a successful private mint which produced more than $2.25 million dollars in gold coinage. The mint, founded by Christopher Bechtler, Sr. in 1831 is credited with producing the nation’s fist $1 gold coin. 

There is a tremendous amount of history in this town and if you take the time to tour the exhibit, you will enrich yourself. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This small, but very concise exhibit, should definitely  become a part of your lives. It is the pride of Rutherfordton as it celebrates 225 years. Don’t miss it!