Burke County's America250 Committee and the City of Morganton held a dedication last Friday for a Liberty Tree, a Red Blaze maple, planted in Freedom Park. The tree, donated by Fitzgerald Nursery, is one of 100 planted across the state in 2026 to commemorate the semiquincentennial of our nation's founding in 1776. America250 Burke County Chairman Ed Phillips counted 50 people in attendance. After the program, everyone gathered for a big group photo in front of the tree — which is the tall, slim tree in the background — taken by Morganton Public Information Officer Jonelle Sigmon. Phillips said Sigmon's photo will be printed, and everyone's names will be listed. The photo and list will be put in the America250 time capsule, which will be on display in the Register of Deeds' lobby until America's 300th anniversary in 2076.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.