Established in 1787, Rutherfordton is one of North Carolina's oldest towns.

Home to the first U.S. Post Office in western North Carolina (1798).

The Bechtler Mint, established in 1831, produced the first $1 gold coin in the United States.

Rutherfordton is home to the oldest continuously operating courthouse in North Carolina.

The town features many well-preserved historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

St. John's Church, built in 1849, is the oldest Episcopal church in western North Carolina.

Rutherford County was formed in 1779 and named after General Griffith Rutherford, a Revolutionary War hero.

The county was a significant gold mining area in the early 19th century.

Lake Lure, located in Rutherford County, was the filming location for the movie 'Dirty Dancing'.

Chimney Rock State Park features one of the most iconic natural landmarks in North Carolina.

The county is known for its scenic beauty, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

During the Civil War, Rutherford County was deeply divided, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers.

Nearby Asheville is known for the historic Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the United States.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called 'America's Favorite Drive,' is just a short drive away.

The region is home to numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Black Mountain, located nearby, is known as 'The Front Porch of Western North Carolina'.

The area has a rich Cherokee Native American history that predates European settlement.

The surrounding region is known for its thriving arts community and traditional Appalachian crafts.