Rutherfordton North Carolina
“A Minted Original”
Town of Rutherfordton NC
Rutherfordton North Carolina is one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. Just a few miles east of Lake Lure, Rutherfordton offers many things to visitors such as history, beautiful historic homes, shops, restaurants and a children’s museum. One fascinating attraction is a private mint that produced over two million in gold coins in the early 1800s, and the first dollar gold coin in the nation at the Bechtler House. Explore Rutherfordton’s outdoors on the bicycling eight-mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail with views of fields to gorges, and milling operations.
History of Rutherfordton NC
Established in 1787 and home to the man who minted America’s first one-dollar gold coin, the Town of Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina. With the tagline “A Minted Original,” visitors can have their own unique experience in Rutherfordton by visiting charming shops that have spanned generations while collecting vintage treasures and admiring the only remaining cluster of antebellum homes in any North Carolina downtown. Enjoy a historic walking tour of Main Street that is also infused with modern day stops like an interactive children’s museum, fine women’s clothing, locally made arts, and craft food and drink.
- MayFest
- Hilltop Fall Festival
- 4th of July Freedom Festival
- Rutherfordton Christmas Celebration
- Old St. John’s Shape Note Singing