Fort San Juan
Fort San Juan
Built by Juan Pardo in
1567 at native town of
Joara. Served as Spanish
outpost until razed by
Indians. 1568.
This historic marker is located
at the intersection of
Hwy 181 and Bost Road.
It's on the N/W side of Morganton, N. C.
The remains of the outpost
is located about 4 miles away.
Continue on Bost Road from the
historic marker to stop sign
on Piedmont Road.
Turn left on Piedmont and go to
Henderson Mill Road on left.
Turn left and continue to
where you can bridge over
small creek and as the road curves
left, it is on the left.
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Members
of the Berry family pose with the newly unveiled historic marker for
Fort San Juan on Saturday. Pictured from left are, Audrey Berry, Wyatt
Knutson, Burton Berry, Owen Knutson, Pat Berry, Anne Berry Stephens,
James Berry, Amanda Berry Knutson and Caleb Knutson
Published: August 16, 2009
Morganton - A dedication
ceremony was held at the McDowell House on Saturday for
the newest historical marker in Burke County.
According to Ron Martin, president of the Joara
Foundation, the historic marker for Fort San Juan is the
12th in Burke County that is part of the North Carolina
Historical Highway Marker Program.
It has been 20 years since Burke County has received the
honor. The last two markers in the county were cast in
1989 for Broughton Hospital and The North Carolina
School for the Deaf.
There are currently 1,538 historical markers in North
Carolina, with at least one in each county.
The Berry family was on hand to do the honors of
unveiling the marker. The Berry's own the land believed
to be the native town of Joara and the Spanish
settlement of Fort San Juan.
"Our family is honored to be a part of this 21st century
exploration. We will remain faithful stewards of Fort
San Juan," said Pat Berry.
The marker will be erected near the intersection of N.C.
181 and Bost Road on Monday.