The People Carrying the Story Forward
In 1780, patriot militia known as the “Overmountain Men” marched across the mountains and through the foothills of North Carolina on their way to the Battle of Kings Mountain — a decisive victory that helped turn the tide of the American Revolution.
Today, that journey is commemorated by the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, a long-distance trail recognized by the National Park Service.
But preserving history doesn’t happen by accident. It takes people who are willing to carry the story forward.
Preserving the Story
Much of the work to preserve and share the story of the Overmountain campaign in North Carolina has been championed by longtime historian and advocate Dr. Bryant Lindsey.
For decades, Bryant has traveled across the state educating communities about the Overmountain Victory campaign and working to ensure the historic route is recognized and preserved. He is the founder of Overmountain Victory NC State Trail – Friends, the nonprofit organization designated by the state to support development of the North Carolina section of the Overmountain Victory State Trail.
As North Carolina prepares for the nation’s 250th anniversary, Bryant has also encouraged counties across the state to establish local America 250 committees. He serves on the Burke County 250th Committee and is a member of the board of the Historic Burke Foundation.
His wife, Dr. Linda Lindsey, is equally dedicated to preserving the region’s history. She serves as President of the Historic Burke Foundation, sits on the Executive Committee of the History Museum of Burke County, and coordinates the organization’s annual Revolutionary War Days event.
Together, the Lindseys have helped ensure that Burke County remains deeply connected to its Revolutionary history.
Leadership from Burke County
Burke County has also played a leadership role in preparing for America’s 250th anniversary.
Representative Hugh Blackwell sponsored legislation establishing the North Carolina Semiquincentennial Legislative Commission and serves as a co-chair of that statewide effort. The commission coordinates planning with the state’s America 250 initiative and works with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to support educational programs and commemorative events across North Carolina.
Representative Blackwell also sponsored legislation authorizing the Overmountain Victory State Trail, helping ensure that this important Revolutionary War route will continue to be preserved and shared with future generations.
Connecting History to the Landscape
The Burke River Trail corridor overlaps historic routes connected to the Overmountain Victory March of 1780. The Burke River Trail Association looks forward to working with partners along the Overmountain Victory Trail to highlight this shared history.
Walking along river corridors, through forests and small towns, it becomes easier to imagine the determination and courage of the men who traveled these ridges and valleys in pursuit of liberty.
Trails allow history to be experienced, not just read about.
By connecting people to the land, to each other, and to the stories that shaped our nation, trails continue to serve a purpose far beyond recreation. They help us remember where we came from — and inspire the paths we build for the future.
America 250 in Burke County
- The Burke River Trail corridor overlaps historic routes connected to the Overmountain Victory March of 1780.
- Patriot militia traveled through western North Carolina on their way to the decisive Battle of Kings Mountain.
- As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Burke County has an opportunity to highlight this remarkable connection between history, landscape, and community.
Over the coming months, Burke River Trail will share short “Trail to 250” posts highlighting stories from the Revolutionary War and how they connect to the landscapes we enjoy today.
Stay tuned.
Quick Facts
- Burke River Trail will co-locate with the Overmountain Victory Trail along the Morganton Greenway, with shared design and construction east of Rocky Ford.
- Burke River Trail will join the Overmountain Victory Trail in Glen Alpine on the north side of the Catawba River.
- Historical accounts suggest that one group of patriot militia traveled through Hildebran to Morganton, aligning with the Burke River Trail corridor.
- The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVT) is a 330-mile route commemorating the 1780 march of patriot militia from Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina to defeat British forces at Kings Mountain.
- Approximately 225 miles of the route pass through North Carolina, tracing the path from the Tennessee border through the mountains and foothills toward Kings Mountain. Key North Carolina communities along the route include Spruce Pine, Morganton, Elkin, Wilkesboro, Lenoir, and Rutherfordton.
